‘Legal & Compliance’ is one of the most crucial functions that not only navigate complexities but also drive transformation, acting as a catalyst for innovation and growth. It’s about creating a safe and stable environment so that ambitions can flourish, as law isn’t just about rules and regulations. It’s about helping businesses achieve success with integrity.
Compliant businesses, especially in the manufacturing, power transmission and renewable energy sectors, are seen as credible and responsible, which can significantly enhance their reputation and long-term sustainability. Moreover, staying compliant enables companies to proactively manage risks, adapt to regulatory changes, and maintain ethical standards across operations.
“At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice, he is the worst. In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, legal leadership goes beyond risk management- it’s about ethical growth, driving innovation and strengthening the organization’s long-term muscle to navigate complexities,” believes Shruti Jain, Global Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Sterlite, Resonia and Serentica Renewables.
Regarded in the industry as one of India’s Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Watch in 2025, Shruti has 24 years of experience. Out of this, she has 16 years of experience as the Global General Counsel.
A Strategic and Analytical Problem Solver
Shruti focuses on the overall picture to ascertain business direction and proactively formulate risk mitigation to protect corporate capital and profitability. A diverse mix of legal and compliance expertise across mergers, acquisitions, carve-outs, joint ventures and equity & debt financing transactions enables Shruti to act as an advisor to the Board of Directors, the executive management and investors alike.
She has extensive experience in analyzing, structuring, negotiating and closing sophisticated domestic and cross-border commercial and financial transactions. In the past, Shruti headed the Legal and Compliance function at Aegis Limited, Essar Projects, the $2 billion services arm of Essar Group, and also headed the Legal Affairs for CRISIL Limited.
Since her joining Sterlite, Resonia, and Serentica in June 2021, Shruti has been leading the Global Legal affairs of the cable manufacturing, power transmission and renewable energy generation businesses. She is a member of the management committee and is far from being a conventional corporate lawyer. She is a transformative leader who is redefining the group’s legal and compliance framework. She believes in not only resolving issues but also preventing them from arising in the first place. This has made the legal department a key contributor to the Company’s operational efficiency. As a strategic advisor, she is constantly advising the Board of Directors and Promoters.
Reflecting on Her Trailblazing Journey
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in International Business Law from Mitibai College, Mumbai,
- A Company Secretary, Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law from The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and
- A Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) degree holder from Bhavans College, Mumbai University.
“Witnessing renewable energy’s potential to transform communities inspired me to pursue this field.” Her motivation has always been to contribute to a greener future, and this vision continues to drive her efforts at Sterlite. “Our work supports environmental goals and aligns with national priorities for clean energy and infrastructure development, such as the National Solar Mission and the Decarbonization agenda,” she adds.
The Swift Emergence of Sterlite Power
Sterlite has emerged as one of India’s best enterprises in power transmission and renewable energy. Sharing its guiding philosophy, Shruti says it is rooted in innovation, integrity, respect and customer-centricity. “We push the boundaries of what’s possible while maintaining high ethical standards.” They’ve built strong, lasting relationships that drive their success by prioritizing the clients’ needs and delivering exceptional value. “Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement is the cornerstone of our achievements, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in renewable energy,” she adds.
In a continuously evolving sustainable energy and power transmission landscape, Sterlite Power prioritizes continuous learning and innovation. It stays ahead of the curve by closely monitoring industry trends and investing in cutting-edge technologies, says Shruti. “Our team collaborates with global experts to develop solutions that meet our clients’ evolving needs. This culture of agility and adaptability ensures we remain leaders in renewable energy and power transmission.” These efforts align with national initiatives like the National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM) and the Green Energy Corridor project, which aim to modernize India’s power infrastructure and integrate renewable energy sources.
A Collective Leadership Approach
“We create an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and heard. We build a cohesive and motivated team by encouraging open communication and providing growth opportunities.” Leading by example, Shruti inspires her team to achieve excellence and drive their company’s success, aligning with broader industry and governmental objectives for workforce development and innovation
The essence of iconic women’s business leadership lies in bringing innovation and advancements by disrupting norms. According to Shruti, balancing innovation with user demands requires understanding market dynamics and customer expectations.
Technological Team Empowerment
Believing ardently that the workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization, Shruti says they make it a priority to foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among its employees. “We prioritize employee development through comprehensive training programs and career advancement opportunities. Our mentorship initiatives and leadership development programs nurture talent and foster a culture of continuous learning.” By promoting a supportive and inclusive work environment, they empower their employees to achieve their full potential and contribute to the company’s success, aligning with national skills development and workforce empowerment goals.
Guiding Tomorrow’s Aspirations
Businesses are a way for the Indian economy to advance. In this regard, Shruti’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, is to embrace challenges and remain resilient. The energy sector offers immense opportunities for innovation and growth. Stay informed, continuously learn, and build a strong network of mentors and peers. Believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Your unique perspectives are invaluable to the industry’s progress and can significantly contribute to India’s economic and sustainable development goals. Initiatives like the Stand-Up India scheme provide support and funding for women entrepreneurs.
Looking to the future, Shruti aspires to create an inclusive workplace that empowers women to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions.
“The future is brighter when we empower each other. Every bold step we take today paves the way for many more to follow. That’s what our women strive to do, to become trailblazers for the next generation of young women in renewable energy.”
“At Sterlite, Resonia & Serentica, we know that true progress comes from inclusion and equal opportunities. It’s inspiring to collaborate with women who are pushing boundaries and proving that the future of energy is diverse, dynamic, and driven by talent. Let’s continue to champion change, uplift each other, and build a more sustainable world! By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, we aim to set a benchmark for women’s business leadership in India,” she concludes.
In her current role, Shruti was instrumental in dealing with licensing issues, land acquisition, and environmental compliance. At the same time, her expert handling of litigation, particularly in arbitrations, land acquisition and pricing disputes, has protected the company from significant financial and reputational risks. She is an ardent advocate for fair policies, has introduced innovative legal management systems, and leveraged technology to improve response time to legal challenges.
Shruti also participates in knowledge-sharing sessions and has a passion for developing the next generation of legal talent.
