Ms. Saroj Saraf

I joined KSB on 1 March 2016 as Assistant Manager – HR & OD. Returning to the corporate world after a six-year maternity break was both exciting and challenging. Like many professionals restarting their careers after a long hiatus, I had to rebuild my confidence, adapt to changing business realities, and prove myself again. KSB’s trust and belief in me from day one made this transition possible.

“The strongest bond an organization can create is not through policies, systems, or processes, but through a culture that enables people to learn, contribute, and grow. For me, KSB has been that place for the last ten years.”

What I value most about KSB is its people-centric culture, built on continuous learning, employee engagement, collaboration, trust, and open communication.

In my initial role, I managed end-to-end HR activities across Sales & Marketing, Contract Management, and Aftermarket businesses throughout India. Working closely with business teams helped me understand customer expectations, market dynamics, business priorities, and revenue drivers beyond traditional HR responsibilities. This exposure enabled me to become a more effective HR partner by aligning people strategies with business goals and creating solutions that delivered tangible value.

Joining KSB during a period of organizational transformation under new leadership gave me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while witnessing the remarkable growth of the Sales organization. As the business expanded, expectations from HR also increased. Every challenge encouraged me to go beyond my defined role, learn continuously, and take ownership of responsibilities that strengthened talent management, organizational development, and business partnering practices.

Over the years, I had the privilege of supporting a workforce that grew multifold as new business verticals were established and expanded. Leadership interactions, talent initiatives, organizational interventions, and transformation projects enriched my journey. While the successes were memorable, challenging situations taught me the most, strengthening my resilience, adaptability, and solution-oriented mindset.

A significant milestone came when I moved to KSB Tech Pvt. Ltd. through KSB’s job rotation philosophy. Transitioning from a manufacturing- and sales-oriented environment to a Global Capability Center (GCC) ecosystem required a different mindset. Understanding new business models, engaging with a globally diverse workforce, and supporting internationally operating functions pushed me beyond my comfort zone and introduced new ways of working.

Today, after nearly five years with KSB Tech, I feel fortunate to have experienced two distinct yet equally enriching worlds within the KSB ecosystem. From partnering with sales teams across India to supporting a globally connected technology organization, every phase has strengthened my ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead through change.

KSB’s culture of trust, empowerment, and continuous learning encourages individuals to take ownership, challenge themselves, and grow beyond conventional boundaries. Throughout my tenure, I have experienced how KSB invests in people, nurtures capabilities, and creates an environment where individuals can build meaningful careers.

Reflecting on my progression from Assistant Manager to Senior Manager, I feel deeply grateful for the experiences gained and the support of the company’s leadership, colleagues, leaders, and teams. The journey was not always smooth, but every challenge overcome, lesson learned, and contribution made has shaped who I am today.

Having worked with several reputed multinational organizations before joining KSB, I can genuinely say that my connection with KSB is unique and special. Beyond professional achievements, KSB has given me a sense of belonging, lifelong relationships, invaluable learning experiences, and countless memories. It has helped me grow not only as an HR professional but also as an individual.

As I celebrate this milestone, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey. These ten years have been a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and purposeful contribution. With the same curiosity, passion, and commitment, I look forward to creating a greater impact, embracing new challenges, and continuing to grow with the KSB family.

Ten years later, my biggest takeaway is simple: Success is not defined by the opportunities we receive, but by the value we create from them. And for that lesson, and so much more, I will always be grateful to KSB.