RiseTo Lead: Ruzbeh Irani’s Leadership Journey

In our #RiseToLead series, we feature a leader whose journey reflects depth, resilience, and quiet reinvention. As he retires after nearly two decades at the Group, Ruzbeh Irani, President – Group Human Resources and Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, reflects on a career shaped by purpose, people, and constant evolution.

“If you ask me about my first day at Mahindra nearly 20 years ago, what has stayed with me is the feeling. It was warm. It was welcoming. It felt like a place I could belong to.

Before this, I had spent over two decades with Unilever, with my last role in Casablanca. By then, I knew I wanted to come back to India. The timing felt right. That brought me to Mahindra. And the fact that I’m retiring from here probably tells you everything about the journey. I’ve never felt the need to move often. In fact, this was the only time I ever switched companies. But in many ways, I’ve still had the benefit of multiple careers. Mahindra gives you that, if you’re open to it.

Growing up as an army kid, I changed seven schools. At the time, it felt disruptive. But in hindsight, that’s where I learned to adapt and find my footing. That resilience has stayed with me. Over the last 19 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across very different roles, from Strategy to Brand and Communications, to Racing, to International Operations in Auto and Farm, and now HR, CSR and Corporate Infrastructure. Each phase stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

What helped me stay grounded was discipline. The world around us has only become more complex and noisier. For me, simple routines like running and staying fit became an anchor. People often ask about work-life balance. I’ve always felt it’s less about balance and more about prioritisation. Knowing what matters and acting on it without delay. Once you find your rhythm, things tend to fall into place.

If I were to leave behind a few thoughts…

You don’t necessarily have to keep moving organisations to grow. If you stay curious, are willing to learn and stretch, and are comfortable working with people who may know more than you, you’ll find growth comes in many forms.

It’s also important not to be in a hurry. When you focus on making a meaningful impact where you are, progression has a way of taking care of itself. And in a world that is constantly demanding more, there is real value in doing fewer things, but doing them well.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing Mahindra evolve over the years. But what has remained constant are our values, which are encapsulated in three words: Integrity, Quality and Care. These are not just words. They define how we show up.

As we move into a future shaped increasingly by technology and AI, I believe what will matter even more is emotional intelligence, the ability to understand people, build trust, and lead with empathy.

When I look back, what kept me going is a desire to keep improving myself every day, and to help others realise their potential.”