In a time where quarterly goals and financial figures are frequently used to define corporate leadership, Tomy Thomas is providing a unique and comfortable alternative that is based on sincerity rather than power. In his capacity as President of Human Resources at Krisumi Corporation, he is subtly changing the nature of workplace culture by implementing a leadership style based on compassion, service, and deliberate action. His path was not the result of luck, but rather of a lifetime of prioritizing character over qualifications.
Having grown up in a traditional Keralan home and influenced by years of volunteer work and religious devotion, Tomy is offering a very human viewpoint to the boardroom. The deep, multifaceted foundation of his people-first attitude is provided by his background, which includes substantial academic efforts in English, human resources, and public administration in addition to religious studies at Don Bosco Seminary.
The ability of Tomy’s leadership to balance compassion and vision sets it apart. From founding HR at Grand Hyatt and Emaar MGF to spearheading ground-breaking employee engagement programs at Krisumi, he is continuously showing how sincere concern for people can result in quantifiable economic benefits. Projects such as the “Employee Charter Program” and the “Krisumi School of Learning” are not only business benefits; they are expressions of his conviction that exceptional businesses are created by empowering individuals.
Honors such as CHRO of the Year 2025 and being named one of India’s Top HR Innovators confirm what his colleagues already know: Tomy Thomas is not only a team leader but is creating a legacy based on mutual success, trust, and purpose.
Roots That Run Deep
“Character matters more than competence,” Thomas reflects, a philosophy that was forged in his earliest years. Growing up in a household where hard work, discipline, and spirituality were not just values but a way of life, young him absorbed lessons that would later become the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. As an altar boy, Mission League leader, and catechism participant at Little Flower Church, Oonnukal, Kerala he learned the art of service a skill that would prove invaluable in his corporate career.
Thomas’s household wasn’t just about individual achievement; it was about community upliftment. Watching his parents support daily workers in rural Kerala instilled in him a deep understanding of dignity in labor and the importance of caring for those who serve. These early observations would later manifest in his revolutionary HR initiatives that prioritize employee well-being above all else.
His educational journey took him far from home to Shillong, Delhi, and Shimla where he pursued degrees in English Literature, Human Resource Management, and Public Administration. But perhaps the most influential experience came during his time at the Don Bosco Salesian seminary in Assam, where the values of empathy, patience, and guidance were not just taught but lived on a regular basis.
The Making of an HR Visionary
Thomas’s entry into the corporate world wasn’t accidental, it was evolutionary. “My journey into Human Resources was not a planned decision; it was an evolution born from my passion for people, service, and community building,” he explains. Initially drawn to priesthood, he discovered that his natural inclination towards helping others could be channeled effectively into the business world.
His corporate baptism came with the pre-opening team of Grand Hyatt Delhi, where he worked alongside industry stalwarts and absorbed global HR practices. This exposure to world-class hospitality standards became the foundation for his people-centric approach. The transition from administration to hospitality wasn’t just a career move, it was a revelation that service excellence and human development could coexist profitably in the corporate realm.
The real test of his philosophy came during his tenure at Emaar MGF, where he spent over a decade crafting HR structure that promoted growth, engagement, and excellence in a high-paced real estate environment. Here, he learned the art of building something from scratch that would prove invaluable in his current role.
The Krisumi Revolution
At Krisumi Corporation, Thomas found the perfect canvas to portray his vision of transformative workplace culture. The challenge was unique: integrating Japanese precision with Indian ingenuity while maintaining the human touch that defines great organizations. The result has been nothing short of revolutionary.
Under his leadership, Krisumi has introduced groundbreaking initiatives that have redefined employee engagement. The ‘Homecoming Experience’ ensures that every employee feels valued from day one. The ‘Employee Charter Program’ outlines a commitment to creating a workplace based on fairness and concern for people and thereby creating a problem-free working environment. The ‘Krisumi School of Learning’ and ‘Leadership Development Programs’ invest in continuous growth. Meanwhile, ‘Skip-Level Meetings,’ ‘Wellness Programs,’ and the innovative ‘Happiness Board’ create an environment where employees are happy, positive, healthy and ensure free flow of communication.
These aren’t just HR programs, they’re manifestations of Thomas’s core belief that when organizations invest in their people, business growth becomes a natural outcome. The proof lies in the results: Krisumi has achieved prestigious certifications as a ‘Great Place to Work’ and ‘Dream Companies to Work For,’ validating the effectiveness of his people-first approach.
Beyond the Boardroom
What sets Thomas apart from typical corporate leaders is his unwavering commitment to service beyond the office walls. “As Principal of Sunday School at Nirmal Hriday Church, Delhi, and a two-term Pastoral Council Member of the Diocese of Faridabad, I continue to nurture young minds and strengthen communities.” he says. His Sunday School’s recognition as the 2nd Prize Model Catechism School across the Faridabad-Delhi Diocese speaks to his dedication to holistic education.
His role as Vice Chairman of the Delhi Malayalee Association demonstrates his commitment to community welfare and cultural preservation. Through career mentoring, financial aid, and civic initiatives, he has touched countless lives, proving that true leadership extends far beyond professional boundaries.
The Athlete’s Discipline
Physical fitness isn’t just a hobby for Thomas, it’s a philosophy. His daily routine includes badminton, volleyball and swimming with family. This commitment to wellness isn’t merely personal; it’s a leadership tool that teaches resilience, teamwork, and focus while inspiring similar dedication among his colleagues.
“Sports also play a vital role in fueling my energy and clarity. They’re powerful motivators that teach resilience, teamwork, and focus.” Thomas explains. This athletic discipline permeates his professional approach, bringing the same level of dedication and strategic thinking to boardroom challenges that he applies on the sports field.
A Leader Forged by Recognition
The accolades were numerous and well-deserved. Thomas has been honored as HR Champion 2024, received the North India HR Leadership Excellence Award 2024, and was featured among the 10 Most Admirable HR Leaders in India 2024. Recently, he was conferred as one of the Most Inspiring HR Leaders to Watch in 2025 by Business Prizm Magazine and recognized as one of the Top HR Innovators of India 2025 by the World HRD Congress.
But perhaps the most telling recognition is his selection as CHRO of the Year 2025, an award that celebrates not just professional achievement but the kind of transformative leadership that reshapes industries.
The Philosophy of Servant Leadership
At the heart of Thomas’s success lies a simple yet profound philosophy: servant leadership. “Leadership is not about authority, it’s about influence, trust, and the ability to inspire collective excellence.” he states. This belief transforms every interaction, every decision, and every initiative into an opportunity to elevate others.
His decision-making process is values-driven and collaborative, emphasizing listening, holistic assessment, and stakeholder consultation. This inclusive model not only accelerates decision-making but ensures alignment with long-term goals and organizational values.
Lessons from Imperfection
Thomas is refreshingly honest about his weaknesses and the lessons they’ve taught him. Early in his career, he struggled with overcommitment, taking on multiple responsibilities that sometimes led to burnout. “Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries, delegating, and trusting others to lead,” he reflects.
He also acknowledges learning patience in decision-making, moving from pushing for quick results to embracing process, consultation, and timing. These vulnerabilities, openly shared, make him not just a successful leader but a relatable human being who continues to grow.
A Vision for Tomorrow
For aspiring leaders, Thomas offers wisdom born from experience: “Be a servant leader first. True leadership begins when you understand that your primary role is to serve, support, and elevate others around you.” He emphasizes three essential pillars character, clarity, and commitment while stressing the importance of lifelong learning and resilience.
His message to viewers is both simple and profound: “Lead with purpose, live with integrity, and serve with heart. Success is not measured by titles or wealth, but by the lives you touch, the values you uphold, and the legacy you leave behind.”
The Continuing Journey
As Thomas is looking ahead towards the future, his vision remains clear: creating impact beyond office walls while staying true to his roots. Whether through corporate leadership, community service, youth mentoring, or sustainable farming he continues to pursue what he calls “a continuous journey of becoming better for yourself, family, and others.”
From the fields of Kerala to the heights of corporate success, Tomy Thomas represents a new paradigm of leadership, one that proves that true success comes from climbing the ladder and from lifting others as you rise. In an era where corporate leadership often feels disconnected from human values, he stands as a beacon, demonstrating that business excellence and social consciousness aren’t just compatible; they’re inseparable.
His story isn’t just about professional achievement; it’s about the possibility of transforming workplaces into communities, colleagues into families, and careers into callings. In Tomy Thomas, we see not just what leadership can be, but what should be rooted in service, guided by values, and committed to making the world a little better than we found it.
