In a move that underscores Sonata Software’s intent to turbocharge its People and Talent engine, Balaji Kumar has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer, effective March 14, 2026. The executive will lead the company’s People and Talent function globally, based out of Sonata’s Bengaluru corporate office. He rejoins Sonata from One97 Communications (Paytm) where he held the position of Chief Human Resources Officer, returning to guide the company’s people strategy with global reach.
Balaji Kumar’s career spans senior roles at L&T Infotech, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Microsoft, Murugappa Group, Citibank, Coca-Cola and Unilever. A management graduate from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) with a master’s degree in law, he brings a broad blend of leadership in talent management, organization development and business partnering, underpinned by experience in labour and employment laws. His track record positions him to shape Sonata’s approach to people, culture and capability across markets as the company continues to scale.
The move signals Sonata’s emphasis on human capital as a strategic lever in a competitive tech-services landscape. By installing a veteran HR leader at the helm of its global People and Talent function, Sonata aims to harmonize practices across geographies, accelerate leadership development, and strengthen workforce planning and employee experience. Kumar’s return to Sonata is being viewed as a timely refresh that could amplify the company’s talent agenda as it pursues ambitious growth and transformation goals.