Manoj Viswanathan
Global HR Leader, CHRO, Organisation & People strategist, HR Advisor
View LinkedIn ProfileExecutive Overview
I am a seasoned HR executive with 25+ years of global experience leading people strategy, culture, and organizational transformation across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Having lived and worked in multiple countries, I bring a truly international perspective to building high-performing organizations in complex, high-growth, and turnaround environments. As a Senior HR Leader, I have partnered directly with CEOs, Boards, and executive teams to align culture, talent, and organizational design with enterprise growth. I am recognized for shaping global HR functions into commercially focused, future-ready enablers of performance—driving transformation, succession, and engagement at scale. Passionate about unlocking potential, I build agile, accountable, and purpose-driven cultures where people thrive and businesses achieve sustainable success.
Career Timeline
- Yum! BrandsCurrentMar 2025–Present· 1 yr 7 mos
- Interim Chief People Officer, Asia, KFCCurrentMar 2025–Present
- Jun 2023–Feb 2025· 1 yr 8 mos
- Group Chief Human Resources Officer & Head of CommunicationJun 2023–Feb 2025
- May 2018–Jun 2023· 5 yrs 1 mo
- Global Director, Human ResourcesMay 2018–Jun 2023
- Jun 2013–May 2018· 4 yrs 11 mos
- Regional Head of HR - Asia, Oceania, Africa & Middle EastJun 2013–May 2018
- Jun 2008–Dec 2012· 4 yrs 6 mos
- Senior Director, Human ResourcesJun 2008–Dec 2012
- Jun 2004–Jun 2008· 4 yrs
- Regional Head - HR & Staffing (APAC)Jun 2004–Jun 2008
- Oct 1999–Jun 2004· 4 yrs 8 mos
- Manager -HR & StaffingOct 1999–Jun 2004
- Jul 1996–Oct 1999· 3 yrs 3 mos
- Junior HR OfficerJul 1996–Oct 1999
Education
Master's degree
Human Resources Management
Cornell University ILR SchoolPost Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relation and Personnel Management
Labor and Industrial Relations
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan'sBachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
chemistry
University of Madras