CIPM President wins Outstanding HR Leader of the Year at CEO Awards

Ken Vijayakumar, the current President of CIPM SL, the nation’s leader in human resource management, was

honoured as the Most Outstanding HR Business Leader of the Year by the CEO Sri Lanka Magazine’s glittering CEO Awards 2022 ceremony, held recently. 

A passion for people and lending his expertise to drive HR towards a national platform has placed Vijayakumar a cut above the rest. He received this distinguished accolade for his contributions to CIPM and exemplary leadership skills in driving innovation and growth within HR. Vijayakumar serves CIPM SL as President in a voluntary capacity. His full-time designation is as Deputy General Manager Human Resources, Administration, Purchasing and Sustainability at A Baur Company Ltd.

As President, Vijayakumar aims to implement CIPM SL’s strategic plan, powering the institution towards vital initiatives and furthering HR among its stakeholders, including its members, such as those keen to pursue a career in people management, students and the public. However, he firmly believes HR should be practiced and thrive within the organisation first. Under his direction, CIPM SL initiated Employer of the Quarter/Year to recognise and reward staff accomplishments and establish an in-house medical centre to focus on employee wellness. An urban garden was created to generate a sustainability mindset among staff and students of CIPM SL. With the first harvest already bearing fruit, Vijayakumar notes all those who participated keenly in the venture realise the benefits. Obstacles such as limitations of space and lack of proper soil were overcome, demonstrating the ability to become self-sufficient easily, especially during the current crisis.

Under his leadership, CIPM SL has signed a historic agreement with Academy to Innovate HR, Netherlands (AIHR). Students and professionals in Sri Lanka and the Asian region will now have access to gain in-demand HR skills and unlock their full career potential. The self-paced online training programmes are offered with attractive discounts. CIPM SL is also working towards providing its courses in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries through student exchange programmes to encourage dollar inflows into the country.