Accomplished In-House Senior Legal Counsel, Head Ethics & Compliance and Risk Management.
Advocate Mukta Gupta’s journey has been marked by determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth. As a first-generation lawyer from a business class family of North India, venturing into uncharted territory was a tough decision. Starting by practicing Law before Civil and High Courts, she transitioned her career into Corporate world by handling Legal and Compliance profile of a Branch office from where Mukta progressed step-by-step to head the In-house counsel profile, leading global initiatives, new-age projects, handling complex commercial disputes, litigations, transactions, data privacy and risk management for multinational companies.
This transformation is a testament to Mukta’s relentless work ethic, deep-rooted commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and belief that every challenge is not an obstacle but a valuable opportunity for evolution.
Currently based in Bengaluru, Karnataka (India), Mukta’s professional journey began with a Bachelor’s in Science and Law, which led to her practice at the Allahabad High Court. She transitioned to the corporate world with a role at ING (International Netherlands Group) where she worked over Six years. Seeking to expand her expertise, she pursued a PGDM in Intellectual Property Law at the National Law School of India University and then joined Tata Motors, managing their regional legal profile. After years with Tata, she took a break to complete her Master of Laws (LL.M), following which she joined Hindalco Industries.
However, within one year into the Job, Mukta lost her father and moved back home to support the family. Impressed with her skill and acumen, Strides Pharma handpicked her as Senior Counsel Legal & Head Compliance and Risk Management, wherein she manages their global legal portfolio, heading a highly efficient team of Lawyers, Company Secretary and ESG professionals, handling complex transactions, data privacy, high-stake litigation across India, North America, Europe and Asia.
“I have successfully overhauled the ethics and compliance framework, introducing digital tools that enhance transparency and operational efficiency. In addition to legal functions, I lead Sustainability and Risk management projects, fostering cross-functional collaboration. With extensive experience across various industries — including banking, finance, automotive, and pharmaceuticals — I am adept at maneuvering through complex legal and regulatory landscapes, positioning the company for continued growth and resilience,” she says.
Blessed with a calm demeanor, even in high-pressure situations, and strong problem-solving abilities, Mukta has a natural inclination to think strategically and find solutions in any situation. Her resilience, adaptability, and capacity for empathy have helped her build strong relationships, both professionally and personally.
As a democratic leader, she champions team empowerment, practice open-book management, and cultivate a collaborative work environment. She feels ideas should be exchanged freely as solutions often emerge when contributions flow from all levels, not just top-down.
Mukta herself has contributed to numerous achievements, both individually and as part of a team viz. maiden sustainability report of the Company. She has received several prestigious awards for her contribution to Legal, Compliance, Corporate Governance and Risk profile. Most recently, she was awarded The Global Lex Falcon Award at the LexTalk World Global Legal & IP Conference Middle East, Dubai 2024 in recognition of her work as the In-house Counsel of the Year in Dispute resolution, Litigation & Risk and Corporate Governance.
In addition, she is actively involved with NGOs that focus on underprivileged kids and women’s rights, where she offers pro-bono legal support and conducts awareness sessions.
Always looking to create a social impact through her work, Mukta says, “My inspiration comes from my parents, who instilled in me a strong value system, compassion, and resilience. My father was my source of happiness, and my mother remains my pillar of pride. Professionally, I am inspired by Senior Advocate P. Chidambaram Sir. His composed demeanor, meticulous preparation, and skillful arguments have truly amazed me as I have observed him representing his clients on various occasions. I have learnt that there is no substitute for hard work, especially in the legal field. Thorough research, careful preparation, and a calm, civil attitude are essential qualities for a good professional.
I also try to follow the philosophy of a few world leaders – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for his humility, lifelong pursuit of learning and accountability, Sir Ratan Tata for his ethical leadership . My goal is to embody these values, driving impactful change while upholding integrity and excellence.”
An award-winning women’s leader, Mukta realises that balancing personal and professional life is a continuous effort. Effective time management helps her balance both. Yet, if there is an emergency at work while her personal life also requires attention, she delegates responsibilities to her team, whom she continuously empowers and trusts to manage tasks efficiently. This allows Mukta to be present for her family, while ensuring professional responsibilities are met seamlessly.
In her ‘me-time’, she likes to listen to music, travel, and read. She enjoys discovering new places paired with good food. Engaging in meaningful debates and discussions over a cup of tea is her favourite way to relax, as she prefers thoughtful conversations over idle gossip.
Discussing the need to value every opinion, she shares an interesting perspective, “While experience is invaluable, especially in the legal profession, I also recognize that new-age challenges require fresh perspective, and young talent often brings innovative solutions. I am committed to maintaining an open and inclusive culture while being mindful that each individual’s starting point is different, requiring tailored guidance and coaching to help them grow in their unique journey.”
