At KONE Americas, the ride isn’t just about elevators and escalators—it’s about careers that rise to the challenge. For Divya Mehta, SVP, Legal KONE Americas, her journey has been anything but static. Joining the company in 2013, Mehta has spent over a decade turning challenges into opportunities, carving out her own path, and leading with resilience and innovation.
When Mehta stepped into her role as SVP in January 2020, the world was on the brink of unprecedented change. The COVID-19 pandemic tested organizations globally, and for Mehta, it became a defining moment. “The pandemic gave me the opportunity to quickly add value in my new role,” she shares. Faced with complex, high-stakes decisions, Mehta led KONE’s COVID-19 response, helping to create safety protocols, define policies for essential workers, and navigate ever-changing regulations across over 100 North American jurisdictions.
Mehta embraced the challenges, grounding her efforts in empathetic leadership. Teaming up with HR, Employee Health & Safety, and external partners like the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII), she built trust and guided her organization through the unknown. “Each day brought new challenges, but also opportunities to learn and grow,” she explains.
Owning the Role and Driving Progress
What sets Mehta apart is her ability to own her role. From tackling immediate crises to thinking strategically about KONE’s long-term goals, she has continuously aligned her expertise with the company’s objectives. By 2023, Mehta was spearheading high-priority projects like integrating AI into contract management and streamlining legal processes—initiatives that reflect KONE’s dynamic strategy for 2025–2030.
With a team of 13 attorneys and over 30 support staff across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Mehta focuses on efficiency, risk mitigation, and innovation. Her efforts are key to driving forward a culture of empowerment and collaboration, ensuring that KONE remains a leader in the industry.
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The Path to Leadership
Mehta’s career is a testament to seizing opportunities and staying adaptable. With a degree in general engineering and a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School, she initially planned to become a patent lawyer. But her journey took unexpected turns—from technical sales at General Electric to roles in private practice and public service—each step sharpening her unique blend of engineering and legal expertise.
Her passion for leadership extends beyond the workplace. An avid runner and dedicated mom, Mehta exemplifies the importance of balance. “It’s not enough to say family is a priority. It has to be acted on,” she says, emphasizing the value of flexibility and well-being—a cornerstone of KONE’s culture.
Inspiring Motion
Mehta’s story is one of motion and momentum—a journey defined by courage, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Whether navigating legal complexities, mentoring her team, or spending time with her family, Mehta embodies the values that drive KONE forward.
“Every experience leads you to become better than you were before,” she reflects. And at KONE, where careers are always in motion, Mehta’s journey reminds us all that success isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you get there.
Ready to own your career and rise to new opportunities? Explore KONE’s culture of empowerment and innovation here.