About

‘We are operating in a very dynamic ‎part of the world’, Anuraag Malhotra says. ‘Businesses are pressurised by changing economic scenarios; tax activism and BEPS and increased global competition coming to Gulf; political pressure on Levant; recent very positive developments and regulatory framework easing out in India; and many other factors are causing the operating environment for businesses and their legal framework to go through a transformation’. Landmark Group has continued its roll of high-profile strategic acquisitions and global expansion. Managing a 45-strong team across MENA, India and the UK, global retail conglomerate general counsel Malhotra, is known for his ‘energy’ and professionalism. ‘Watching successful legal teams which are well respected for their support and delivery, gives immense satisfaction’, Malhotra says. He joined the company 11 years ago as the only in-house lawyer, and since then has facilitated the evolution a function supporting more than 20 businesses across 18 jurisdictions. Heading legal and tax simultaneously, his skill-set and remit give him a unique appreciation for the issues at stake in structuring transactions. ‘Every major initiative, whether it was designing and creating the Landmark Group’s corporate structures, or leading the acquisition of Carluccio’s, Fitness First; or current tax structuring exercise for the group; all are wonderful experiences by themselves’. Malhotra is developing a group-level compliance program, with ongoing work including transfer pricing and international tax structuring.