Harwinderjit Singh Pannu
President & Corporate Security Advisor, Reliance Industries Conglomerate
Bio
Harwinderjit Singh Pannu, born in 1951, holds a master's degree in English literature and began his professional journey in India’s central Civil Service. On October 1, 1975, he joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as a direct entry officer, where he was responsible for leading teams tasked with protecting Public Sector Units across diverse industries such as steel, mining, fertilizers, metallurgy, oil and gas, petrochemicals, power, and utilities.
In 1992, Mr. Pannu was selected for a prestigious assignment with the United Nations Civil Police in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. His leadership and dedication were recognized with his appointment as Commissioner, overseeing officers from 42 nations and contributing to international peacekeeping and security efforts.
After distinguished service with both the CISF and the United Nations, Mr. Pannu joined Reliance Industries in 1996 as Vice President of Security and Vigilance for the conglomerate’s largest refinery complex. He was instrumental in establishing a robust security framework and founded RGSS, Reliance’s dedicated security entity. He also pioneered innovative recruitment and training programs, including the creation of a security academy, actions that earned him acknowledgment as the father of Corporate Security in India.
Mr. Pannu’s commitment to organizational advancement extended to employee welfare and workplace safety. He introduced a physical fitness program to promote morale and initiated mandatory fire safety training for security personnel. Over 90% of staff participated in rigorous fire drills, resulting in higher safety standards and significant cost savings, especially for fire-prone facilities.
Through his visionary leadership and pioneering initiatives, Mr. Pannu has left a lasting legacy in both public service and the corporate security landscape of India.
Personal Quote:
“True security is not just about guarding assets, it is about building systems, people, and values that endure beyond one generation. - Harwinderjit Singh Pannu”