Sheela Parakkal

2021 JUDGE’S PROFILE

Chief Human Resources Officer
Prudential

Sheela Parakkal is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Prudential Singapore where she leads People Strategy.

Her key focus is driving the culture transformation of the organisation alongside the senior leadership team to grow a values-based culture centred on Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Empowerment and Trust.

A strong supporter of workplace diversity and inclusion, Sheela has spearheaded several industry-first initiatives such as removing the retirement age at Prudential, and raising the CPF contribution rate for employees above 55 to be on par with younger colleagues. These ground-breaking changes mean that Prudential employees can work at the company for as long as they can perform, and are rewarded based on performance.

Sheela also believes in supporting employees in balancing their work and personal priorities through flexible work arrangements and best-in-class benefits such as six-month maternity leave.

In recognition of her progressive workforce vision, Sheela was named Best HR Leader at the HR Fest Awards 2019. Under her leadership, Prudential was awarded the Bronze for Best Workplace Culture in HR Excellence in 2018 and the SkillsFuture Employer Award in 2019.

Sheela’s 24-year career spans across a spectrum of industries, specialisations, and geographies. It includes 17 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers Singapore where she moved from being an auditor to a HR professional. Married with three daughters, she loves spending time with her family and volunteering to give back to the society.