The 12th Annual Grand Masters 2026 Series

SAMEER CHUGH

Chief Legal Officer, Games24×7

BABU RAO P.

Group General Counsel and Group Chief Compliance Officer, Religare

Christopher Krishnamoorthy

Group General Counsel, InterGlobe Enterprises

DR. SONAL VERMA

Partner & Global Leader (Markets & Strategy), Dhir & Dhir Associates

POOJA YADAVA

General Counsel, Hero MotoCorp

RUHI GOSWAMI

Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Brookfield Properties

This session explores how General Counsels can reposition themselves as strategic architects in the boardroom – balancing governance, risk, leadership, and innovation.

• From Compliance to Strategy – How GCs can move beyond compliance guardianship to actively shaping corporate resilience and long‑term vision.
• Forensic Auditing as a Governance Lever – Using forensic tools to strengthen accountability, particularly in restructuring and M&A contexts.
• Boardroom Accountability – Preparing directors for evolving fiduciary duties and personal liabilities under shifting policy regimes.
• Anticipating Financial Crime – Designing proactive safeguards against white‑collar crimes and corporate frauds, rather than relying on reactive compliance.
• Navigating Enforcement Actions – Strategic approaches to investigations by ED, CBI, and SFIO etc.
• Beyond ESG – Interplay with board oversight, and long‑term risk management, extending the discussion beyond sustainability, stakeholder pressures, and reputational concerns.
• Outsourcing Partnerships – Redefining GC partnerships in addition to law firms – ALSPs, consultants, and technology vendors for holistic support.
• AI in Legal Operations – Leveraging generative AI and tools like contract automation, compliance monitoring, and predictive analytics without compromising governance.
• Legal Preparedness & Funding Readiness – Aligning contracts with investor expectations, stress‑testing risk disclosures, and embedding scalable compliance to ensure legally sound pitches.
• Cross-border Boardroom Dynamics – How GCs in India align with Global Governance Standards (UK Corporate Governance Code, US SOX)

Anubha Agarwal

Managing Counsel International, United Airlines

ASHIT GARG

Head Of Global Legal Service (GLSC) & Company Secretary, Ramboll

BASUDEB BISWAS

General Counsel, TARC

IRA DHASMANNA

Vice President & Head - Legal | Executive Director, Sinch

JASMAN DHANOA

Senior Associate, ADP Law Offices

This session explores the sweeping regulatory reset shaping India Inc. as it enters its next phase of growth. With new laws and enforcement regimes coming into play, how’s the road ahead?

• Data Governance Readiness – The enforcement phase of the DPDP Act reveals India’s preparedness for robust data governance, testing both corporate compliance and regulatory capacity.
• AI Governance – India’s MeitY Guidelines (Nov 2025) – Responsible innovation through trust, accountability, a governance‑first approach, encouraging sectoral adoption and consensus‑building.
• Global Data Transfer & Privacy – Reconciling India’s DPDP Act with GDPR, US privacy laws, and APAC frameworks.
• Competition Law in Digital Markets and Global Convergence – Settlements and commitments, a shift toward negotiated remedies vis a vis other global competition law regime.
• Global Capability Centers (GCCs) – Recognizing GCCs as strategic hubs for compliance, innovation, and risk management within India’s corporate ecosystem.
• Labour Code Implementation – Understanding how the new Labour Code reshapes workforce regulation, employment structures, and compliance obligations.
• AML Frameworks & FATF Alignment – Strengthening anti-money laundering frameworks in line with FATF expectations has become critical for financial integrity and global credibility.
• Capital Market Reforms – SEBI’s reforms are redefining IPO readiness and disclosure practices, demanding greater transparency and accountability from issuers.

LAKSHIKA JOSHI

Global Risk & Compliance - Head Of Contracts Management & Intellectual Property Rights, Harvard Business Publishing

ADITI MAHESHWARI

Chief Executive Officer, Vani Prakashan

ASHISH CHANDRA

Chief Legal & Risk Officer, Junglee Games

Essenese Obhan

Founding Partner, Obhan & Associates

KUBER MAHAJAN

Senior Associate, Saikrishna & Associates

RITESH AGGARWAL

Co-Founder & CEO, Techphosis India

This session explores IP frameworks, monetizing innovation, and alignment with evolving global policy landscapes, while preparing for disruptive technologies & regulatory challenges.

• AI‑Generated Works & Ownership – Preparing for global debates around authorship and ownership of AI‑created content, including overlaps with data governance and contracting.
• DPIIT Licensing Proposal (Dec 2025) – Mandatory blanket licensing model “One Nation One License One Payment”; statutory royalties for creators etc.
• DPIIT Designs Act Reform Consultation (Jan 2026) – Modernizing Design Protection for a Digital & Global Economy?
• Global Patent Strategies & R&D Alignment – Evolving patent portfolios to support competitiveness, innovation pipelines, and national R&D priorities.
• Cross‑Border Licensing Agreements – Ensuring licensing structures withstand multi‑jurisdictional scrutiny and remain enforceable across diverse regimes.
• Trade Secrets Across Borders – Safeguarding proprietary information in mobile, cloud‑driven environments where data leakage risks are amplified.
• Monetizing IP Portfolios – Exploring models to convert patents, trademarks, and designs into tangible revenue streams through licensing, securitization, and spin‑offs.
• Leveraging Global IP Treaties – Harnessing international treaties (TRIPS, WIPO, bilateral trade agreements) to expand market access and strengthen competitive advantage.
• Copyright & Design Protection – Addressing enforcement gaps in copyright and design law, particularly in creative industries and consumer products.
• IP Valuation & Disclosure – Building frameworks for accurate IP valuation and aligning with investor expectations and disclosure standards.
• Technology Transfer & Ecosystem Incentives – Strengthening tech transfer mechanisms and leveraging government R&D incentives to foster commercialization through startups and collaborations.

SRIJIT MUKHERJEE

General Legal Counsel, Kocho

AMEET DATTA

Founder, ADP Law Offices

SHYAM RAJAN AGARWAL

Partner, S&A Law Chambers

RAJBEER S. SACHDEVA

President (Group) Legal, JK Organisation

AKANKSHA SINGH ROHATGI

GM & Head (Legal & Compliances), CK Birla Hospital | Birla Fertility & IVF

RAJA P.R.S.

Director Legal Geo-General Counsel APMEA, Coforge

This session examines how dispute resolution mechanisms and contracting are evolving to deliver efficiency, credibility, and competitiveness, while AI, technology and institutional reforms redefine the future.

• Litigation Trends – Reviewing how commercial courts, case management reforms, and judicial capacity are shaping litigation efficiency alongside ADR.
• Mediation under the 2023 Act – Assessing whether mediation is gaining traction across industries as a cost‑effective and time‑efficient alternative.
• Arbitration & Conciliation (Amendment) Bill 2026 – Evaluating whether the proposed reforms can finally tackle systemic delays and strengthen arbitral credibility.
• IBA Guidelines 2026 – Understanding how updated disclosure and conflict standards will reshape arbitral practice and party expectations.
• Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) – Examining how ODR platforms can expand access to justice, reduce costs, and integrate technology into mainstream dispute resolution.
• AI & Evidence Law – Exploring how AI generated records, algorithmic contracting, and machine verified data are reshaping admissibility standards and dispute resolution practice.
• Contracting & Dispute Prevention – Highlighting how robust contracting practices—clear dispute clauses, risk allocation, and digital contracting tools—can prevent disputes and streamline resolution.
• Third‑Party Funding – Exploring the regulatory debates around permitting third‑party funding in arbitration and litigation, and its impact on access to justice.
• Cross‑Border Enforcement – Identifying strategies to ensure effective recognition and enforcement of international arbitration awards in India.
• Global Treaty Alignment – Assessing India’s positioning under conventions such as the New York Convention and the Singapore Convention on Mediation.

ZAMEER NATHANI

Global General Counsel, DNEG

ANUSHREE SAHA

General Counsel & Company Secretary, Qure.Ai

KHYATI PAREKH

General Counsel, Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors

NEHAL SHAH

Executive Director & Group Head - Legal & Compliance, Ambit Private Limited

NIKUNJ SAVALIYA

Company Secretary & Head - Legal, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd.

DR. SONAL VERMA

Partner & Global Leader (Markets & Strategy), Dhir & Dhir Associates

This session explores how General Counsels can reposition themselves as strategic architects in the boardroom – balancing governance, risk, leadership, and innovation.

• From Compliance to Strategy – How GCs can move beyond compliance guardianship to actively shaping corporate resilience and long‑term vision.
• Forensic Auditing as a Governance Lever – Using forensic tools to strengthen accountability, particularly in restructuring and M&A contexts.
• Boardroom Accountability – Preparing directors for evolving fiduciary duties and personal liabilities under shifting policy regimes.
• Anticipating Financial Crime – Designing proactive safeguards against white‑collar crimes and corporate frauds, rather than relying on reactive compliance.
• Navigating Enforcement Actions – Strategic approaches to investigations by ED, CBI, and SFIO etc.
• Beyond ESG – Interplay with board oversight, and long‑term risk management, extending the discussion beyond sustainability, stakeholder pressures, and reputational concerns.
• Outsourcing Partnerships – Redefining GC partnerships in addition to law firms – ALSPs, consultants, and technology vendors for holistic support.
• AI in Legal Operations – Leveraging generative AI and tools like contract automation, compliance monitoring, and predictive analytics without compromising governance.
• Legal Preparedness & Funding Readiness – Aligning contracts with investor expectations, stress‑testing risk disclosures, and embedding scalable compliance to ensure legally sound pitches.
• Cross-border Boardroom Dynamics – How GCs in India align with Global Governance Standards (UK Corporate Governance Code, US SOX)

SHWETA GIROTRA

Sr. Vice President - Group Company Secretary & Compliance, Kalpataru Projects International Limited

ATTREYI MUKHERJEE

Vice President & Head - Legal (EV Business), Mahindra Group

MANISHA KAPOOR

CEO & Secretary General, ASCI

NEHA KSSHIRSAGAR

Director - Legal, India Business R&D MEIC & GCC Global Diabetes Business, Medtronic

RISHI RAJ BHARDWAJ

Assistant Professor, Mahindra University School of Law

SHWETA LADDHA

Senior Vice President and Head - Compliance and Secretarial, Multiples Alternate Asset Management

YUGANDHARA SHIMPI

Head - Legal, Dun & Bradstreet India

This session explores the sweeping regulatory reset shaping India Inc. as it enters its next phase of growth. With new laws and enforcement regimes coming into play, how’s the road ahead?

• Data Governance Readiness – The enforcement phase of the DPDP Act reveals India’s preparedness for robust data governance, testing both corporate compliance and regulatory capacity.
• AI Governance – India’s MeitY Guidelines (Nov 2025) – Responsible innovation through trust, accountability, a governance‑first approach, encouraging sectoral adoption and consensus‑building.
• Global Data Transfer & Privacy – Reconciling India’s DPDP Act with GDPR, US privacy laws, and APAC frameworks.
• Competition Law in Digital Markets and Global Convergence – Settlements and commitments, a shift toward negotiated remedies vis a vis other global competition law regime.
• Global Capability Centers (GCCs) – Recognizing GCCs as strategic hubs for compliance, innovation, and risk management within India’s corporate ecosystem.
• Labour Code Implementation – Understanding how the new Labour Code reshapes workforce regulation, employment structures, and compliance obligations.
• AML Frameworks & FATF Alignment – Strengthening anti-money laundering frameworks in line with FATF expectations has become critical for financial integrity and global credibility.
• Capital Market Reforms – SEBI’s reforms are redefining IPO readiness and disclosure practices, demanding greater transparency and accountability from issuers.

MAYUR VASANI

Head - Legal - India & Affiliates, Indonesia & Philippines, Kenvue

KINAT SISODIA

Director Legal, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited

SHALINI SINHA

Global General Counsel (Media & Mktg), The Magnum Ice Cream Company

SRISHTI DHOUNDIYAL

Senior Associate, Saikrishna & Associates

Taruna Gupta

Head - IP Governance, Tata Consultancy Services

Vidya Subramanian

Head IP, Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.

This session explores IP frameworks, monetizing innovation, and alignment with evolving global policy landscapes, while preparing for disruptive technologies & regulatory challenges.

• AI‑Generated Works & Ownership – Preparing for global debates around authorship and ownership of AI‑created content, including overlaps with data governance and contracting.
• DPIIT Licensing Proposal (Dec 2025) – Mandatory blanket licensing model “One Nation One License One Payment”; statutory royalties for creators etc.
• DPIIT Designs Act Reform Consultation (Jan 2026) – Modernizing Design Protection for a Digital & Global Economy?
• Global Patent Strategies & R&D Alignment – Evolving patent portfolios to support competitiveness, innovation pipelines, and national R&D priorities.
• Cross‑Border Licensing Agreements – Ensuring licensing structures withstand multi‑jurisdictional scrutiny and remain enforceable across diverse regimes.
• Trade Secrets Across Borders – Safeguarding proprietary information in mobile, cloud‑driven environments where data leakage risks are amplified.
• Monetizing IP Portfolios – Exploring models to convert patents, trademarks, and designs into tangible revenue streams through licensing, securitization, and spin‑offs.
• Leveraging Global IP Treaties – Harnessing international treaties (TRIPS, WIPO, bilateral trade agreements) to expand market access and strengthen competitive advantage.
• Copyright & Design Protection – Addressing enforcement gaps in copyright and design law, particularly in creative industries and consumer products.
• IP Valuation & Disclosure – Building frameworks for accurate IP valuation and aligning with investor expectations and disclosure standards.
• Technology Transfer & Ecosystem Incentives – Strengthening tech transfer mechanisms and leveraging government R&D incentives to foster commercialization through startups and collaborations.

KARMA BHUTIA

Regional Director & Head - Legal - India & GCC and Board Member, Anarock

Florra K Das

Head Legal - APAC Counsel & Compliance Officer, Carestream Dental

KULIN DAVE

Head of Legal & Global DPO, Paymentz

SACHIN MISHRA

General Counsel & Company Secretary, Tata Consulting Engineers Limited

SUVAJIT CHAKRABORTY

Associate General Counsel & Director (Legal & Compliance), Revvity

This session examines how dispute resolution mechanisms and contracting are evolving to deliver efficiency, credibility, and competitiveness, while AI, technology and institutional reforms redefine the future.

• Litigation Trends – Reviewing how commercial courts, case management reforms, and judicial capacity are shaping litigation efficiency alongside ADR.
• Mediation under the 2023 Act – Assessing whether mediation is gaining traction across industries as a cost‑effective and time‑efficient alternative.
• Arbitration & Conciliation (Amendment) Bill 2026 – Evaluating whether the proposed reforms can finally tackle systemic delays and strengthen arbitral credibility.
• IBA Guidelines 2026 – Understanding how updated disclosure and conflict standards will reshape arbitral practice and party expectations.
• Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) – Examining how ODR platforms can expand access to justice, reduce costs, and integrate technology into mainstream dispute resolution.
• AI & Evidence Law – Exploring how AI generated records, algorithmic contracting, and machine verified data are reshaping admissibility standards and dispute resolution practice.
• Contracting & Dispute Prevention – Highlighting how robust contracting practices—clear dispute clauses, risk allocation, and digital contracting tools—can prevent disputes and streamline resolution.
• Third‑Party Funding – Exploring the regulatory debates around permitting third‑party funding in arbitration and litigation, and its impact on access to justice.
• Cross‑Border Enforcement – Identifying strategies to ensure effective recognition and enforcement of international arbitration awards in India.
• Global Treaty Alignment – Assessing India’s positioning under conventions such as the New York Convention and the Singapore Convention on Mediation.