Team size: Six

What are the most significant cases, projects or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?

Over the past year, my legal team and I have navigated several complex and high-impact matters. One of the most significant was managing a supply chain crisis triggered by the implementation of BIS-led Quality Control Orders on sports footwear. This regulatory change posed a substantial threat to business continuity, as it temporarily impaired our ability to import and sell key products.

Through coordinated legal strategy and stakeholder engagement, we resolved the blockade and secured the necessary licences for our foreign manufacturing partners. In parallel, we implemented a robust compliance framework to monitor operations across our two global Capability Centres and our extensive retail network throughout India. This proactive approach not only restored business operations but also strengthened our compliance posture for the future.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?  

My approach to legal risk management during periods of instability is rooted in problem identification, risk mitigation, and continuous learning. When a crisis arises, I focus on understanding the root cause, developing strategies to resolve the immediate issue, and implementing safeguards to prevent recurrence.

I place strong emphasis on team learning—ensuring that everyone is aware of the situation, understands the lessons learned, and is equipped to handle similar challenges in the future. This culture of transparency and preparedness has been instrumental in building organisational resilience.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws? 

To ensure a successful digital transformation of the legal department while maintaining compliance with India’s data protection laws, I began with a comprehensive assessment of our systems and processes to identify the nature and flow of personally identifiable information (PII). We then developed and implemented a framework for the treatment of PII, including clear SOPs, regular training sessions, awareness campaigns, and ongoing communications. These initiatives have helped sensitise the organisation to data protection requirements and set clear expectations for all employees.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting? 

A particularly unique experience in my career was managing the aftermath of a major financial scam, which led to multiple investigations and exposed the company to legal scrutiny for over 12 years. Throughout this period, I successfully ensured that no adverse action was taken against the company and protected senior officials from undue pressure by investigative agencies. This episode stands out as a testament to the importance of legal vigilance, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to ethical standards.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?

I am deeply passionate about the mission of my company: “Through sports, we have the power to change lives.” This belief drives my commitment to fostering positive change – both within the organisation and in the broader community.

What factors influence your team’s decision to use external legal services versus handling matters in-house, and what criteria are used to evaluate their performance? 

When deciding whether to engage external legal counsel or handle matters in-house, our primary considerations are timelines, cost efficiency, and the need for specialised expertise. We evaluate external partners based on their subject matter knowledge, responsiveness, and ability to deliver results within agreed parameters.