Governing Body Spotlight

Shweta Kurvey-Mishra is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for MRC Global, a leading global distributor of pipe, valves, fittings (PVF) and infrastructure products and services to diversified end-markets including the gas utilities, downstream, industrial and energy transition, upstream production and midstream pipeline sectors. She is a strategic and visionary business leader experienced in partnering with executives and the C-suite to drive a holistic people and culture strategy. Her experiences cut across global, diversified industries including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, automotive, medical, chemical, and environmental services, both in public and private sectors.

Learn more about the Houston CHRO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

As a business major in college, I always knew I wanted to be in a field where I could drive business results through people. Being a leader in HR allows me to do just that. After spending almost a decade at ITW, a global, industrial company, and learning tremendously through progressive HR roles in the field as well as corporate, I became the Head of HR at Silver Eagle Distributors, the largest Anheuser Busch distributor in the country. After modernizing their HR function for a couple of years, I went to WM (Waste Management) where I led the strategy and framework for all talent processes across the enterprise. All of those roles have led me to my current role.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Lead with compassion; compassion always makes good business sense.
 

With disruption being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CHRO role going in the next 1-2 years?

The CHRO role has evolved significantly during and after the pandemic. Digital disruption, hybrid workforce, multi generational workforce, risk management, ESG are all now fundamental parts of the world that we have to lead and operate in. Our ability to stay on top of what is happening in the world and to contextualize that for our companies and workforce is going to be critical over the next several years.
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CHRO?

There is a meaningful shift from when you were in a strong number 2 role to when you come into the C-Suite. You go from running your business/function/team to being a part of running the company. Your vantage point is significantly different and you have to elevate your strategy and execution accordingly. 

Another piece of advice would be to build strong relationships with your peers in the C-Suite and the board. Those relationships and connections will help you to understand the business and political landscape, so you can build a strong, compelling and realistic vision for the company.
 

Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.

1. I am a foodie and love to explore different cultures and cuisines.
2. I have jumped off an airplane and will sky dive again.
3. I love traveling.
    

What is the value of joining an Evanta community? 

Being a part of the Evanta community has been extremely enriching for me. Being in HR and in the top role can be very isolating and having a community that can relate with that and where we can mutually share how to overcome similar challenges is so valuable.
 

Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.

by CHROs, for CHROs

Join the conversation with peers in your local CHRO community.