Pune, 12 September 2025 – Gain Skills Business Media proudly concluded the 12th Learning & Development (L&D) Confex & Awards 2025 – Pune Chapter at Vivanta Pune, Hinjawadi, under the central theme “Transform Today, Thrive Tomorrow: Shaping the Future of Learning!”
The full-day confex brought together over 250+ senior professionals from 117 unique companies across industries, including BFSI, Technology, Pharma, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Automotive, and more. The event reaffirmed the growing importance of Learning & Development as a key driver of growth, organizational culture, and innovation.
The conference convened the CXOs, President, Directors, GMs, Head & Executive of Learning & Development, HR, Training, Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, fostering a dialogue on how organizations can reinvent learning strategies to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving business environment.
The day commenced with an Opening Remark delivered by Sumeet Khatri, Founder & MD, which set the tone for a day focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of workforce learning.
Ashutosh Saboo, AVP Growth & Marketing, edForce, delivered the Chairperson’s Remarks, offering deep insights into the evolving landscape of Learning & Development. He emphasized the need for organizations to align their learning frameworks with agility and adaptability, adopt emerging technologies to drive continuous upskilling, and foster a culture that embraces transformation. His address set the stage for a day of meaningful discussions, inspiring participants to view L&D as a strategic enabler of business growth and organizational resilience
Throughout the day, the conference featured powerful keynotes, interactive panel discussions, insightful sessions, and networking opportunities, spotlighting strategies that integrate technology, address mental health in high-output environments, and leverage Gen Z’s strengths to reshape workforce dynamics.
Meet the Visionaries Who Took the Stage
● Dr. Vinod Bidwaik, CHRO & Group Director – People & Culture, Sakal Media Group
● Swati Arora, Head – Leadership Development, Tech Mahindra
● Manoj Vanjari, Vice President Talent Development, Dentsu
● Pankaj Khandewale, VP & Head Training, Generali Central Insurance Co. Ltd.
● Preeti Ahuja, Global Chief People Officer, Husk Power
● Nisha Karkera, Head – Talent Management & Training, SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd.
● Shweta Shukla, Director – Human Resources, T-Systems International
● Amit Munot, Head – Learning & Development, MDIndia Health Insurance TPA Pvt. Ltd.
● And 25+ other leading L&D and HR professionals.
This edition celebrated outstanding organizations that have set new benchmarks in L&D excellence. Those recognized included:
Individual Awards
1. Ritu Manuja, Tech Mahindra
2. Shashikant Bhosale, Millennium Engineers and Contractors Pvt Ltd
3. Ranu Mishra, General Industrial Controls Private Limited ( GIC )
4. Vaibhav Salunkhe
5. Smita Narkar, Infinite Uptime
6. Ajeet Shirsat, Synechron
7. Sachin Mahind, Advik Hi – Tech
8. Sayali Deshmukh, CODITUDE
9. Sneha Bhat, Reliance Nippon Life Insurance
10. Brijesh Deshmukh, Fujitsu Consulting India Pvt. Ltd.
11. Niranjan Kulkarni, UKB Electronics Pvt. Ltd.
12. Shweta Shukla, T-systems India Pvt.Ltd.
13. Ankushi Gupta, Gabriel India
14. Rudrashish Sen, Ensono
15. Pradeep Kasab, ESDS Software
16. Neha Arora, Buen Manejo Del Campo India Pvt Ltd
17. Harish Kulkarni, Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts
18. Ancy Nimsha Sreenivasan, Zywave
19. Makarand Rangnekar, Sharda Motor Industries Ltd
20. Prashant Mishra, Alchemist Ltd
21. Vinayak Ghawale, Nihilent LTD
22. Asmita Gowind, Kantar
23. Hima Kiran Vithal Venna, Tata Motors
24. Pankaj S Khandewale, Generali Central Insurance Company Ltd.
25. Yogesh Khatale, Praj Industries Limited
26. Yasser Raja, TresVista
27. Ranjeet Singh, Enpro Industries Pvt Ltd
28. Nikhil Bhojwani, Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd
29. Neha Tripathi Mishra, Jet2 Travel Technologies Pvt Ltd.
30. Ramanathan Iyer,
31. Rohini Dhir, Infovision
32. Mandeep Baath, VOIS
33. Archana Handoo Sarda, Microlise
34. Sonal Mundhe, VILAS JAVDEKAR DEVELOPERS
Organisational Awards
1. Schaeffler
2. Mumbai Metro One
3. Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited
4. Enlink Managed Services Pvt. Ltd.
5. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd
6. KNOLSKAPE
7. TimesPro
8. Polybond India Private Limited
9. VOIS
10. Škoda
List of Awardees
The Day culminated with the prestigious L&D Awards 2025, where pathbreaking organizations and visionary leaders were celebrated for their contributions to reshaping the learning ecosystem. The awards spotlighted categories such as Learning Leader of the Year, Best Innovation in L&D, Best Blended Learning Strategy, and Best Diversity & Inclusion Learning Initiative, applauding those who are setting the pace for the future of workforce development.
Speaking about the success of the event, Sumeet Khatri, Founder & MD, Gain Skills Business Media Pvt Ltd, said: “Learning & Development has moved from being a support function to becoming a strategic growth engine. This 12th edition in Pune brought together India’s most dynamic L&D innovators and changemakers, showcasing how organizations can future-proof their talent strategies. These awards honor those who are breaking new ground and inspiring the industry.”
With powerful knowledge sessions, insightful exchanges, and a spirit of collaboration, the 12th L&D Confex & Awards 2025 – Pune Chapter left participants motivated to implement forward-thinking learning strategies and create workplaces that are resilient, innovative, and future-ready.
