Founder Editor Team
Akriti Chopra: A Legacy of Leadership at Zomato
Akriti Chopra, the co-founder and Chief People Officer (CPO) of Zomato, has resigned from her role effective September 27, 2024, after an illustrious 13-year career with the company. Her departure marks the end of a transformative era for the food-tech giant, as Chopra was not only an integral part of Zomato’s growth and expansion but also a key architect of its corporate culture.
Chopra’s journey at Zomato began in 2011 when she joined the company as one of its earliest hires. With a background in business administration and a keen interest in organizational development, she quickly became a pillar in shaping Zomato’s internal structure. Over the years, Chopra played a pivotal role in building the company’s human resources function from the ground up, laying the foundation for a workforce that today spans across multiple countries and continents.
One of Chopra’s most significant contributions was her role in establishing Zomato’s legal and finance teams, which became crucial as the company expanded rapidly into new markets. As the company scaled, the need for strong governance and legal frameworks became more pressing. Chopra was instrumental in assembling the right talent and infrastructure to support Zomato’s growth while ensuring that legal, regulatory, and financial compliance was always in place. This foresight in building the necessary backbone allowed Zomato to navigate complex international markets and rapidly changing business environments.
But Chopra’s influence was not limited to the technicalities of scaling a global business. As CPO, she championed Zomato’s focus on people and culture, believing that a strong, inclusive, and motivated workforce is the foundation of any successful company. Under her leadership, Zomato became known for its dynamic work culture, which emphasized transparency, creativity, and employee well-being. She led initiatives to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that Zomato attracted and retained top talent across its global operations.
Her impact on Zomato’s workplace culture was profound. Chopra believed in creating an environment where employees felt valued and empowered to contribute their best work. She was also instrumental in shaping Zomato’s approach to employee benefits and work-life balance, with a focus on mental health and professional development programs. Her legacy at Zomato is not just one of operational success but also of creating an enduring organizational ethos that prioritizes the well-being of its people.
In addition to her work in HR, Chopra was a key player in Zomato’s public narrative and brand-building. As one of the faces of the company, she was frequently seen representing Zomato at industry conferences and events, sharing insights on leadership, women in tech, and the future of work. Chopra’s vision for Zomato went beyond just business growth; she was deeply committed to making the company a place where employees could thrive, both professionally and personally.
Looking forward, Chopra’s resignation signals the end of one chapter for Zomato, but it is also the beginning of new possibilities for her. In a statement, she expressed her excitement about pursuing other interests, though she did not specify her next steps. Given her wealth of experience and expertise in organizational leadership, it is likely that Chopra will continue to influence the tech and startup ecosystem in new and impactful ways.
Akriti Chopra’s departure from Zomato marks the end of an era, but her legacy—shaping Zomato’s culture, operations, and workforce—will undoubtedly endure as the company continues to grow and evolve. Her influence on the company and the industry as a whole is a testament to her visionary leadership, and her next chapter is sure to be just as exciting and impactful as the one she leaves behind.
