Guru Studio Grows People & Culture Department

Toronto-based Guru Studio has bolstered its people and culture team with the promotion of Babita Jassal to VP of the department.

As VP of people and culture, Babita will lead the studio-wide people and talent strategy, including learning and development, diversity, equity and inclusion, workforce planning and total rewards. Jassal, who joined Guru last year, will report to Lauren Leinburd, senior VP of business affairs and general counsel.

Jassal has previously held senior positions at such companies as Warner Bro., Telus and Rogers.

To support Jody Jessop in her role as head of recruitment and community engagement, Hetal Shah is joining Guru Studio as senior talent acquisition specialist. Shah joins Guru with over a decade of animation and VFX recruitment experience at studios such as Tendril Studio, Mr. X and Tangent Animation.

Leinburd said: “In just a short time, Babita has already had a tremendous impact on our studio. Her exceptional instincts, innovative thinking and vast experience across a wide spectrum of human resource initiatives will help support the continued growth of our studio and its culture.”

Samara Melanson, VP of production at Guru Studio, said: “In the current competitive talent market, Hetal raises the standard for recruiting. We have an incredible team in place to meet the evolving needs of our studio, as we continue to grow and nurture the best global talent.”