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Eranga Pathirage
Vice President and Head of HR - UK, Europe & Middle East at Virtusa
Professional Background
Eranga Pathirage is a seasoned Human Resources professional serving as the Vice President and Head of HR for the UK, Europe, and the Middle East at Virtusa, a global provider of digital transformation services. With over 16 years of extensive experience, Eranga has established himself as a business-savvy leader skilled in crafting and executing people-focused strategies, impactful change management initiatives, and organization development programs that integrate seamlessly with organizational goals.
At Virtusa, Eranga's responsibilities encompass a wide array of crucial HR functions including talent acquisition, talent development, employee retention, workforce planning, and governance as well as talent mobility, particularly immigration. His strategic vision extends beyond traditional HR roles as he has successfully led numerous mergers and acquisitions (M&A) integrations on a global scale, showcasing his adeptness in navigating complex organizational transitions.
Eranga's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture shines through in his leadership approach. Under his guidance, his team is dedicated to cultivating an environment that attracts and retains top talent, ensuring that Virtusa remains at the forefront of the Digital and Cloud transformation market. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as Virtusa has been recognized as a UK Top Employer for ten consecutive years by the UK Top Employers Institute. This recognition underscores Eranga's effectiveness in building a people organization that not only aligns with contemporary business needs but also embodies strong cultural values.
As a thought leader in Human Resources, Eranga frequently engages audiences at various industry platforms, where he shares insights on best practices and emerging trends in HR. His hands-on, data-driven approach to HR management has positioned him as a sought-after speaker, reflecting his deep expertise and passion for driving meaningful change within organizations.
Education and Achievements
Eranga Pathirage studied BSc in Human Resources Management (Special) at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors in Human Resources. His academic background has equipped him with the necessary skills and theoretical insights to navigate the complexities of managing people and organizations effectively.
His career at Virtusa began in Sri Lanka, where he initially took on the role of HR Executive. Over the years, he rapidly ascended through the ranks, accumulating a wealth of experience and insight into the myriad challenges and opportunities present within the HR landscape. He served as HR Business Partner in both Sri Lanka and India, honing his ability to align HR strategies with business objectives effectively.
Eranga has continuously built upon his experiences at Virtusa, holding increasingly responsible positions such as HR Manager and Senior Manager. These roles allowed him to further deepen his knowledge of resources management and workforce strategies, eventually leading to his current role as the Vice President and Head of HR for the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Throughout his journey, he has emphasized the importance of building a digital-ready workforce, which is critical in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
Achievements
Eranga Pathirage's notable achievements are numerous and impactful. His leadership in driving people-centric HR strategies has significantly contributed to Virtusa's status as an industry leader. In addition to the ten consecutive awards as a UK Top Employer, Eranga's initiatives have led to improvements in employee satisfaction, retention rates, and overall workforce engagement across the regions he oversees.
His successful leadership of M&A integration programs stands out as a highlight of his career. Eranga's ability to manage change effectively has been a key factor in ensuring successful transitions during mergers, thereby enhancing overall organizational effectiveness and employee morale.
Not only has Eranga focused on achieving operational excellence, but he has also prioritized the establishment of a work culture that values diversity and inclusion. This commitment is reflected in his initiatives which have made Virtusa a sought-after employer for a diverse talent pool.
In summary, Eranga Pathirage is a dynamic HR leader with a robust track record in shaping effective people strategies within a global context. His combination of strategic vision, operational proficiency, and a sincere commitment to fostering a positive work environment positions him as a pivotal figure in the realm of Human Resources management and organizational leadership.
