Leaders

Once viewed as regulatory necessity, corporate law and compliance are now viewed as strategic assets within progressive organizations. In response to evolving legal frameworks and global standards, companies are investing in agile governance systems and compliance technologies. This evolution is enabling business to not only manage risk but also build trust, ensure operational continuity, and gain competitive advantage.

Astha Wahi, as Company Secretary at one of the leading Indian agrochemical manufacturers, Best Agrolife, embodies strong synergy of resilience of a modest background and acumen of a seasoned compliance professional having successfully led critical secretarial functions. She has executed key roles such as NSE listing, promoter reclassification, preferential allotments, ESOP and SEBI disclosures. Well-versed in Indian corporate laws and regulatory processes, Astha’s experience and in-depth knowledge of Indian corporate regulations lets her excel in managing governance-related documentation and processes.

Astha is compassionate about building compliant, transparent business environments and work closely with leadership to support both legal obligations and strategic initiatives.

Take us through the formative years of your life and key influences who shaped your life’s trajectory?

Growing up in a small town, I learned the importance of family, simplicity, and emotional intellect early on. My mother, though a homemaker, instilled in me the values of self-belief, patience, kindness, and empathy, qualities that continue to guide me professionally. A hardworking and dependable figure, my father instilled in me the value of persistence during tough times and the importance of treating others with honesty and respect. From him I learned the value of responsibility, perseverance in the face of adversity, and importance of staying grounded and focused.

The trajectory of my life has been shaped by a series of empowering influences during my early years. From teachers who inspired me to dream big, to mentors who guided me forward, to a family that provided constant strength, each played a pivotal role. The encouragement I received from educators, parents, and the guidance from my elder brother at ISRO, has all been instrumental in defining my path.

Tell us about your educational journey. What inspired you to pursue and ace Company Secretaryship?

Grounded in traditional educational foundation, my academic journey began with a commerce background in Bihar, followed by a move to Delhi to broaden my career prospects. During this transition, my family recommended exploring the Company Secretary (CS) program. Initially inclined toward an MBA, I shifted focus to Company Secretaryship based on its professional recognition, growth, and also on my family’s belief in its long-tern value.

My initial CS Executive attempt did not go as planned, but my score revealed untapped potential. That moment drove me to take the course seriously, plan effectively, and ace my next attempt. I later pursued an LLB and an MBA to strengthen my understanding of corporate governance and business strategy. This integrated learning experience not only sharpened my professional capabilities but also reinforced the value of persistence and belief in one’s potential.

Take us through your professional journey as a CS. What have been some crucial turning points in your professional journey?

My journey as a CS has been both challenging and rewarding. After earning my CS qualification, I began my career managing routine secretarial functions. After a modest start in some organizations where I earned limited exposure and learning, joining the Jindal Group marked a turning point, where I took on responsibility for SEBI LODR compliance and gained expertise in corporate law, governance, and regulatory filings.

Over the course of my career, I have managed critical regulatory functions such as promoter reclassification under SEBI guidelines, liaising with stock exchanges, and executing proper documentation protocols. My decade long engagement with SEBI (LODR) has allowed me to gain comprehensive insights into governance norms, board experiences have enabled me to approach compliance not just from a regulatory perspective, but through a pragmatic, business-driven framework.

One of my proudest accomplishments in my journey was leading the process for listing the existing equity shares on NSE, adding to the BSE listing. The project was independently executed and earned me an internal award of excellence. I led the complete NSE listing process, ensuring regulatory compliance, handling queries, and post-listing formalities.

Introduce us to Best Agrolife. What key roles and responsibilities do you shoulder within the company?

As Company Secretary at Best Agrolife Limited, I ensure governance and compliance for this NSE/BSE-listed agrochemical Company focused on sustainable crop solutions. My core responsibilities include ensuring adherence to SEBI Guidelines, the Companies Act, FEMA Guidelines and other applicable laws, managing board and committee meetings, handling stock exchange filings, and overseeing ESOP implementation in collaboration with Qapita a leading ESOP and cap table management platform.

As part of my role at the group, I am spearheading the rollout of a compliance management system to streamline regulatory processes and improve oversight.

I lead major initiatives like private placements, promoter reclassification and ESOP, while ensuring statutory compliance, regulatory coordination, and strategic governance support to senior management. In addition, I oversee all FEMA-related compliance, including foreign investment reporting and coordination with RBI and Authorized Dealer banks to ensure timely and accurate filings.

Leading this initiative is a key component of my present role, ensuring that our compliance processes are efficient, auditable, and future-ready. I provide high-level compliance and governance advisory support to senior management fostering transparency and regulatory alignment across the organizations.

What challenges do you encounter as a CS in today’s dynamic business landscape? How do you navigate through these roadblocks?

In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, the role of Company Secretaries faces the constant challenge of tracking frequent regulatory changes from SEBI, MCA and other authorities while ensuring the organization remains fully complaint. Balancing this with fast-paced business demands often requires strategic judgement, and decisions made with agility and precision this demands seamless cross-functional collaboration and clear communication. Additionally, managing the diverse expectations of stakeholders, ranging from board members to regulators and stakeholders, requires strategic alignment and diplomacy.

As CS, I ensure every action is legally sound and well-documented, requiring strong cross-functional coordination and stakeholder management. I rely on regular training, legal updates, and digital compliance tools to stay ahead. I also ensure effective collaboration across departments and maintain strong relationships with external advisors. I believe that transparency, integrity, and preparedness from the cornerstone of effective company secretarial practice, helping not only to mitigate risks but also to create real strategic value for the business.

Which professional milestones are special to you? What core values drive your professional success and growth?

A key achievement in my CS journey was leading seamless listing process of equity shares on the NSE, marking a major step in the company’s capital market presence. I successfully led the execution of an ESOP plan in coordination with QAPITA, overseeing all regulatory and procedural aspects. My contributions extended to private placements, promoter reclassifications and developing a strong compliance infrastructure, alongside 10+ years of managing SEBI LODR adherence and driving governance excellence at the board level.

My professional philosophy is grounded in integrity, responsibility, discipline, and open-communication. These principles serve as a foundation during high-pressure situations and enable me to contribute effectively to the organization’s growth and long-term success. Paired with a focus on learning and teamwork, these values have consistently empowered me to add strategic value, even in demanding scenarios.

How is India’s corporate governance and regulatory compliance landscape? Which industry trends will create a strong impact in the near future?

The Indian corporate governance and compliance environment is becoming more digital, transparent, and accountability-focused, with a rising emphasis on real-time disclosures and ESG reporting. As ESG standards gain prominence, firms must demonstrate ethical and sustainable practices, elevating the role of company secretaries in driving board-level decisions and enhancing transparency through non-financial reporting.

SEBI’s push for digital-first solutions is transforming traditional compliance into tech-driven, real-time reporting model. With heightened regulatory scrutiny and more firms moving toward public listings, company secretaries are becoming key advisors, bridging boards, regulators, and stakeholders while upholding ethics and embracing digital tools.

Astha Wahi, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, Best Agrolife

As a seasoned professional, Astha Wahi, Company Secretary, Best Agrolife, brings on hand-on experience in handling SEBI filings, FEMA Compliances, stakeholder approvals, and ESOP administration. She collaborates closely with senior leadership and external stakeholders, upholding high-standards of accountability and integrity. Balancing personal and professional life with grace and commitment, Astha focuses on leading a mindful life with self-prioritization and purpose.