Naga Krishna Kadiyala's journey from India to the United States exemplifies a significant shift from technical expertise to human-centered innovation. At 19, he left India to pursue a master's degree in environmental engineering, not knowing that his path would eventually lead him to transform human resources at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston).
Initially focused on monitoring hazardous work environments, Kadiyala discovered his strengths were not only technical but also relational. “I was not just successful because of my technical skills, but because I could connect with people,” he stated.
His career shifted towards human resources and information technology, prompting him to earn an MBA from the University of Connecticut. His experience in companies like The Hartford and Deloitte allowed him to lead HR transformations globally, including a major project in Switzerland. “It was important to learn to understand different regional and geographical cultures and perspectives,” Kadiyala remarked.
In 2012, family circumstances led Kadiyala to settle in Houston as his wife began her medical practice in Lake Jackson, Texas. He joined UTHealth Houston as the manager of HR technology, where he revamped the hiring process by digitizing pre-employment procedures.
Over 13 years, Kadiyala advanced to associate vice president of HR innovation, analytics, and technology. He emphasized taking on more responsibilities: “Promotions should feel like a natural next step.” A notable initiative under his leadership was the digital transformation of performance reviews for over 7,000 employees.
Kadiyala's efforts extend into areas such as compensation and artificial intelligence. His team developed AI solutions like Hoop Genie for policy-related inquiries. He recently received the President’s Award for Leadership at the 2025 STAR Awards Luncheon.
Outside work, Kadiyala values time with his daughter and enjoys scriptwriting centered on current affairs. He hopes to produce a short film once his daughter goes to college.
Throughout his career, Kadiyala emphasizes human connection: “Nothing else really matters except human relationships and connection.”
