About

Vanita Jegathesan oversees all Chevron’s disputes and investigations for the downstream markets across Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Since starting her role she has worked closely with managing counsel and the US legal function to implement comprehensive procedures for managing investigations across these regions. ‘Prior to this, there was no established process for managing investigations in the downstream,’ she says. ‘This process ensures that we have a consistent approach and the right amount of visibility for business leaders. The business has been responding positively.’ Since taking on the role Jegathesan has tried to introduce further formalised processes to promote consistency in the way disputes and investigations are managed across her regions. The complex and diverse legal and political climates in these countries make dispute and investigation management challenging and interesting, she says. While her approach to issues remains as complex and strategic as it was in private practice, Jegathesan greatly enjoys being closer to the business. ‘You see an immediate value in the work you’re doing for a client. The way I think about the problem and address it is the same – the objective remains to achieve the best outcome for the client. The key difference between practice and in-house for me is where you are in the equation.’