We@Wilo with Zahra Ghorbanzadeh

A clear winter day at the Wilo headquarters in Dortmund. In the background, the distinctive silhouette of the Wilo Smart Factory, a symbol of innovation, internationality and sustainable transformation. This is where Greta Körner welcomes a colleague whose own journey is just as international as the company itself: Zahra Ghorbanzadeh.

Born in Iran, professionally shaped in the Middle East and now based in Vienna, Zahra connects cultures, markets and people. For almost 13 years, she has actively contributed to HR at Wilo and today supports the European sales units as an HR Business Partner.

But this interview is about more than an international career. It is about personal growth, starting over in new countries, navigating structural changes within a company and balancing a demanding HR role, international responsibility and family life as a mother.

In our conversation, Zahra shares how the phrase “Welcome to the family” gained real meaning for her over the years, why “Caring” is much more than a sustainability concept, and how cultural diversity and global collaboration make working at Wilo so special.

An inspiring interview about international perspectives, collaboration beyond borders and the belief that a sustainable corporate culture always begins with people.

Welcome, Zhara. It's great to have you here! Let's start off casually: Who are you and what do you do at Wilo?

My name is Zahra, and I have been with Wilo for almost 13 years. I currently work as HR Business Partner for the European sales units.

I am a very people-oriented person. HR fits me perfectly because it combines professional expertise with empathy and strong interpersonal skills. Looking back, it has been a long and very exciting journey at Wilo and it is far from over.

Your career path is very international. How did it all begin?

I joined Wilo in 2013. At that time, I had just moved from Iran to Dubai, as my husband was already living there. At the same time, I started my Master’s degree in Strategic Human Resources and was looking for a professional opportunity.

Since I had learned German in Iran, I had the chance to join Wilo Middle East, a German company where I could even speak German with colleagues.

I initially worked in Supply Chain for the Middle East region. Shortly afterwards, I was given the opportunity to move into HR and, as HR Office Manager, support Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. For me, it was the perfect combination: studying HR and applying it directly in practice.

Later, I became HR Business Partner for the MENA region. In 2021, when my husband and I planned our move to Vienna, I transitioned into the European organization. Since then, I have been supporting the sales units across Europe.

Your passion clearly lies in HR. What motivates you most?

I truly enjoy working with people. HR is a sensitive and demanding field. You need technical expertise, but also empathy and strong communication skills.

I would describe myself as a caring person. In HR, you accompany colleagues through very different life situations. That requires understanding, patience and a strong sense of responsibility. This combination of professionalism and humanity is what motivates me most.

At Wilo, you often hear the phrase “Welcome to the family.” What does it mean to you?

At the beginning, you might not fully understand what that means. But after almost 13 years, I can honestly say: it truly feels that way.

There is genuine, cross-border support. Especially within HR, we exchange ideas intensively and help each other. “Caring” is not just a word, it is something you experience in everyday collaboration.

How important is international collaboration to you personally?

It is very important. Wilo is an international company with around 70 subsidiaries worldwide. I have worked closely with colleagues from AMEA, Europe and North America.

Some professional contacts have turned into real friendships, even if we only see each other every few years. Especially in the United Arab Emirates, where many nationalities work together, I experienced cultural diversity on a daily basis. That significantly broadened my perspective.

Were there challenges along the way?

Of course. Every career comes with challenges. I am ambitious, a mother of two children, and living abroad without close family support. Balancing career and family can be demanding at times.

There were also structural changes within the company and the challenges during the COVID period. But I have learned that these situations create opportunities for growth.

What always helped me was knowing that I could reach out to colleagues at Wilo – also internationally and receive support. That made a big difference.

HR can be mentally demanding. How do you switch off in your free time?

Spending time with my children comes first. Playing and talking with them gives me new energy.

It may sound unusual, but tidying up or cooking also helps me mentally unwind. Cooking is almost like therapy for me. Sometimes I even send my husband out of the kitchen when he offers to help, because I simply want to do it myself.

In addition, I go to the gym about three times a week, less for athletic ambition and more to clear my mind. Meeting friends or exchanging ideas in HR communities also gives me fresh perspectives.

Looking back on almost 13 years at Wilo – what does this journey mean to you?

It means growth, courage and togetherness. I started in a new country and developed step by step, professionally and personally.

I am proud of this journey and excited about what lies ahead. Wilo has opened many doors for me, and I look forward to the next chapters.