Dr. Nirja Sharma

Chief Talent & Skills Officer (CTSO)

Dr Nirja Sharma brings over three decades of distinguished experience in corporate business HR experience across diverse industries, including finance, hospitality, facility management, sales, ITES, information technology, and manufacturing. She has held senior leadership positions in multinational corporations as well as in private, and public sector organisations.

At the senior management level, she has consistently demonstrated leadership in establishing HR Centres of Excellence, redesigning performance management systems, and championing business ethics initiatives. Known for her expertise in change management, she has successfully navigated HR functions through acquisitions, takeovers, and large-scale organisational transformations.

Deeply committed to developing and mentoring young professionals, Dr Sharma actively promotes sustainable CSR initiatives strongly rooted in employee participation. Learning and development remain central to her professional philosophy and practice, which she has applied with commitment in both corporate and academic environments.

Education

Nirja holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi). She earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees from the University of Allahabad. Her foundational schooling was at St. Anthony Convent and St. Mary’s Convent, Allahabad, where she completed her higher secondary & ICSE educations.

Professional Experience

Dr Sharma currently serves as the Chief Talent & Skills Officer at MICA - The School of Ideas, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Prior to this, she was the Chief Human Resources Officer at KHS Machinery Pvt. Ltd. ( 2018-2024). Her corporate journey includes major leadership roles such as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Tata Motor Finance, Vice President, HR at ARAMARK, INTELLICON Pvt Ltd. and Motif Inc. She has held management positions at CMC Ltd, IREDA Ltd, Schlafhorst Engineering Ltd, and as Chief Executive Officer at Baroda Management Association. Across these roles, Dr Sharma has specialized in human capital management, executive development, project management, strategic HR planning, and community outreach.

Awards & Research

Nirja has served as a member on the National Educational Council of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) for four consecutive years (2020 to 2024) and served on the CII Western Region HR & IR Council for three years (2021 to 2024). Her research and industry contributions focus on HR Centres of Excellence, performance management redesign, business ethics, change management, and sustainable CSR practices.

Personally invested in bridging academia and industry, Dr Sharma continues to  advance mentoring, grooming future leaders, and integrating ethical values into organizational development.