Honouring a Remarkable HR Journey
The spontaneous smile that lit up every room, the twinkling eyes, and that famous signature greeting — “Helll-oo?”
Everyone is going to miss that!
A powerful HR leader, she built far more than systems and processes — she built people, relationships, and a culture that genuinely felt like home. With empathy, trust, and an instinctive ability to connect with others, she brought individuals together and transformed the workplace into a space of belonging. She led with courage and conviction — fearless, resilient, and, when required, refreshingly candid.
Yet, it was her grace, warmth, and sincere concern for employee welfare that truly set her apart. Approachable, inspiring, and often described as “the calm in every corporate storm,” she leaves behind not only a legacy of strong leadership, but also a lasting imprint on the lives she touched.
She is Mona Cheriyan….Ex- President & Group Head-Human Resources.
After 12 years of what she describes as a “fulfilling journey,” it was time to say goodbye — and to step into a new chapter as an independent consultant.
And what a fitting send-off it was, as the Execom and staff gathered at the Marathon office to give Mona a warm and rousing farewell.
Cassius Colaco, our ever-popular Master of Ceremonies, set the tone for the evening with his customary humour and engaging commentary.
There was an outpouring of tributes from top management, various teams, and colleagues across the organisation — each one reflecting the deep respect, admiration, and affection Mona inspired over the years.
Reflecting on her journey with Thomas Cook India, Mona spoke with “a full heart, gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of connection.” She described Thomas Cook as a place where she grew — “sometimes challenged, often stretched, but always learning!”
“What I will remember most is not what we achieved, but how we did it”, she said.
“You never truly leave a place like this,” Mona reflected. “You carry it with you — in your thinking and in your relationships.”
In her own words: “I still remember walking into the DN Road office in 2014, a building with old-world charm, quiet history, and a sense that many stories had already begun there. Little did I know mine was about to unfold too. Soon after came the wave of acquisitions, and with it the chance to use my M&A experience to help integrate businesses, align teams, and turn complexity into growth. There were exciting highs, defining milestones, and then came COVID, when an industry built on movement suddenly stood still. In those moments, leadership became less about transactions and more about resilience, empathy, and keeping hope alive amid uncertainty. Through it all, I had the privilege of building and transforming an HR team, shaping a culture rooted in meritocracy, energy, and fun. Most of all, I leave with gratitude – for the friendships, the lessons, and the colleagues who made this journey truly unforgettable.”
As Mona steps into this exciting new phase, she carries with her the admiration, respect, and affection of an entire organisation. Her journey here may have reached an important milestone, but the culture she nurtured, the people she mentored, and the values she championed will continue to thrive.
She may be moving on to exciting new beginnings, but for all those who had the privilege of working with her, she will always remain a guiding force — steady, inspiring, and unforgettable.
We wish her success and fulfilment in the journey ahead.
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The Quiet Power of Belief: A Mentor for Life– A tribute from Deepti
There are some stories that stay with you for years—partly because they matter deeply, and partly because they are never easy to put into words. This is one such story.
At the heart of it is a simple phrase: “I think so.”
Unassuming at first, yet powerful in its impact, it became the foundation of many defining moments that followed.
Mona consistently demonstrated a rare and invaluable quality—the ability to see potential even before it is fully realised. She created opportunities that challenged comfort zones, entrusted responsibilities that demanded growth, and in doing so, made what once felt overwhelming seem entirely achievable.
Over the years, her role extended far beyond that of a CHRO. She became a mentor, a guide, and a sounding board. More importantly, she influenced not just outcomes, but mindsets—shaping how challenges are approached, how uncertainty is navigated, and how individuals show up for one another in the workplace.
It is often said that people leave organisations because of managers. Yet, there are leaders who redefine that narrative—leaders who inspire individuals to stay, to grow, and to thrive. Mona has been one such leader. The respect she commands and the trust she builds created an environment where people don’t just work—they evolve.
The impact she has created is embedded in the way people think, act, and lead today. Some individuals influence a journey. Others define it.
Mona has done both—and more. A constant presence, a guiding compass, and a quiet force that continues to shape paths long after the moment has passed.
She will always remain truly irreplaceable.