Team size: 20+

Can you tell us a little about your significant accomplishments over the last few years, as a team or by yourself?

With a professional experience of 20 years, I specialised in strategic transactions, policy advocacy, critical litigation, ESG and corporate and commercial laws. I have led several marquee transactions, including cross-border acquisitions, group reorganisations, fund-raising, project and private equity deals, international disputes, and other commercial transactions. In my current role, I steer the group’s mission-critical disputes, strategic business initiatives and policy endeavours in the telecom and tech space. I am also the chairperson of the legal committee Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and play an active role in industry bodies such as CII and FICCI.

The last few years have reset global equations and changed the way we work forever. Telecom being an essential service, our largest contribution was to “keep the lights on” for the economy through the pandemic. Our key priorities were keeping businesses up and running through our networks, facilitating WFH and keeping people connected and accessible. The legal team rallied around the company as a cohesive unit to deliver our objectives seamlessly.

Have any recent political, economic or regulatory changes impacted your work? How are you dealing with this?

Apart from the pandemic, the Telecom landscape has seen its fair share of regulatory hurdles. The commitment to revive the sector has been tremendous, and the turnaround is evident. We are now on the cusp of 5G, so we certainly see demanding but exciting times ahead.

How has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected your company and the team’s priorities?

ESG is a priority for us. As part of GSMA, Airtel was one of the first Indian Telcos to sign up for the Net Zero pact and adopt science-based Targets. We are deeply committed to building a more sustainable business and society.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

Absolutely. Partners who share our business philosophies and core value systems are always high on our “go-to list”. Firms that are aligned with our fundamental value ethos are the ones who emerge as our long-term partners and trusted advisors.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, you are passionate about and why?

Creating a safe and diverse workplace with equal, merit-based opportunities is something I deeply care about.