What are the most significant cases or transactions that you have been involved in over the past year? 

It is always a difficult task picking only a few matters to showcase given the great work my team does while supporting two separate sales theatres within Cisco’s Asia-Pacific Japan and China region. However, if I had to choose the ones, I would highlight for India would be the following.

The first is manufacturing in India. India is a key market for Cisco, and it is our second-largest R&D centre outside the US. We have been in India since 1995, and it was extremely fulfilling to support the team in building out our manufacturing facility in India. From engaging with the government to reviewing and advising on the regulatory and licensing requirements, our team played an instrumental role in this process. We aim to drive more than US$1bn in combined domestic production and exports and set a true example of ‘Made in India for the world’.

The second would be the Webex Calling launch. Following our approach of being a local player, my team was instrumental in launching our India-hosted Webex Calling offering. From providing regulatory advice to negotiating with our resellers and distributors in India, my team was closely involved in the introduction. In addition to implementing Webex-based solutions for the Supreme Court of India and several High Courts, this offering provides world-class solutions customised for the India market.

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

Having lived in different countries, diversity and inclusion is a cause that is very close to my heart. I believe that everyone should be able to bring their authentic self to work, regardless of who they are, and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

I feel privileged to support our employee PRIDE chapter as its executive sponsor for India. In addition to supporting sensitisation events, my team and I have been involved in ensuring that all internal trainings and communications are gender and LGBTQ+ friendly. We are also working with our insurance providers to include gender-affirming surgeries as part of our standard coverage.

India is an economy that is rapidly growing and expected to be one of the powerhouses of the 21st Century. How do you see the role of GCs there changing in this environment? 

The in-house role, and particularly the role of a general counsel, is a relatively new one in India, which brings with it certain challenges in terms of acceptance.

It is also important to acknowledge that technology plays a significant role in today’s world, often in industries that were never previously technology dependent. Additionally, we live in a globalised world, with supply chains and customers spread across the globe.

When you combine all these factors, you end up with a complex environment that often elevates the importance of issues that may not have been previously considered significant. Take, for example, an area that most in-house lawyers would not have traditionally worried about: Human Rights.

In today’s world, with supply chains spread across the globe, it is becoming increasingly crucial to know what goes into our products. In this context, it is essential to ensure that the microchips, batteries, garments, or other components used by your company are being produced sustainably and without the use of forced or child labour.

Looking at it from another perspective, if your company collects data, are you confident that it is sufficiently protected to prevent bad actors from accessing or using it for harmful purposes? Or, in the case of a product that could be used by security services, how do you ensure that your products aren’t being used oppressively or abusively?

If these issues are not handled properly, they could have a seriously detrimental impact on a company’s share price or reputation. The GC plays a key role in these situations, ensuring that the company acts ethically and that any risks are appropriately mitigated.

I fully expect that as the Indian economy grows in both size and sophistication, the role of the GC will expand accordingly – not just to be a compliance function, but to be part of the business leadership. I foresee GCs playing an increasingly significant role in shaping thought processes and policies in these newer areas as they emerge.