‘I didn’t expect there would be so many fires to put out’

And looking back on these well-known companies, Halder says he has learned a lot about them the unique cultures found in organizations.

“Each sector operates in a very different environment, (with) a different group of customers, and ultimately we are all people who consume these products, goods or services. But how we get the product to them, and how we come up with a strategy to reach them, and… how the culture of each organization is different in that, let’s say a value chain, is quite unique.”

Those insights have helped Halder build a strong foundation for working in a globalized world, he says, especially when it comes to human capital and what it takes to succeed.

“I know now that GSK would look at their employees through this lens and why, versus Chevron through this lens and why, but when you’re in there it’s hard to understand why. When you come out and put these all together, it’s a great learning curve. So I’m very privileged to have had that.”

Head of People at BASF

Almost four years ago, Halder affiliated with BASFwhere he has grown from senior total rewards specialist to head of people since June 2024.