Leaders

In an era where corporate governance failures can wipe out millions in market value, businesses are prioritizing compliance as a strategic function rather than a mere legal obligation. Studies show that companies with strong governance outperform their peers in shareholder returns and are less likely to face regulatory penalties. From navigating cross-border regulations to managing high-stakes transactions like mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising, compliance professionals play a pivotal role. Such an efficient compliance professional is Vibha Shinde, a seasoned company secretary with 18 years of experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and financial structuring. As the Company Secretary & Compliance Officer at Vishnu Chemicals, she has been playing a pivotal role in major financial and strategic initiatives, including a ₹200 crore fundraising. Women Entrepreneur Review is privileged to interview Vibha Shinde. Let’s read on.

How did your academic background influence your decision to enter the corporate governance and compliance field?

My interest in the CS profession was sparked during my 12th standard when I first discovered the course and was drawn to its unconventional nature. Motivated by this  curiosity, I successfully cleared the CS foundation exam, which strengthened my confidence to pursue it as a career. Despite my family’s preference for a more traditional career in banking or teaching, I remained determined to follow my passion. I progressed through the intermediate level and cleared my CS final at the age of 24.

My professional journey began with a brief stint at a small company in Bhopal. I decided to move to Hyderabad, where I secured my first role as a Company Secretary at Gati Group. This marked the beginning of an enriching career spanning 18 years. Since then, I have held key leadership positions, including Company Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer, in various esteemed organizations such as Shriram Group, Kapil Group, Optimus Pharma, and currently, Vishnu Chemicals. Each of these roles has been instrumental in shaping my expertise in corporate governance and compliance.

Can you elaborate on the specific skills and competencies you have built in governance and compliance?

Over the years, I have developed a proactive mindset, keen attention to detail, patience, self-reliance, discipline, and determination. While all my past experiences have been invaluable, I take immense pride in my time with Vishnu Chemicals, which has been particularly transformative. It has equipped me with the confidence to thrive in a listed company environment.

Adapting to new working styles has strengthen my expertise in regulatory compliance, stakeholder management, corporate governance, adaptability & process optimization.

How do you stay up to date with the rapidly changing regulatory and governance landscape?

Several industry trends have significantly influenced corporate governance. Increased regulatory scrutiny, particularly from bodies like SEBI, has led to stricter compliance requirements for listed companies. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are also reshaping decision-making processes, requiring companies to proactively implement ethical AI governance frameworks to mitigate risks and enhance compliance.

Another notable trend is the growing emphasis on board diversity. SEBI now mandates that the top 1,000 listed entities must have at least one woman director on their boards, reinforcing the need for leadership teams with diverse industry expertise and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, corporate governance is shifting from a shareholder-centric model to a stakeholder-inclusive approach, where companies prioritize the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, and communities to foster long-term sustainability and corporate responsibility.

To stay ahead in this evolving landscape. I closely monitor regulatory updates from relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the latest governance standards. Additionally, I focus on integrating best practices for AI and digital transformation within the company while maintaining ethical governance. Beyond technical compliance, I play a key role in promoting board diversity and enhancing transparency in corporate disclosures, and investor communications. Also, strengthening stakeholder engagement to align with the ever-changing corporate governance landscape.

What are the milestones or achievements that stand out as the most rewarding in your career?

One of the most significant milestones in my career was leading the ₹200 crore fundraising initiative for Vishnu Chemicals through Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) and successfully overseeing its listing on stock exchanges. Another key achievement was managing the end-toend merger process of Optimus Group companies in my previous role, where I played a pivotal role from inception to completion. These experiences have shaped my leadership approach and deepened my expertise in governance and compliance.

In terms of the principles that have contributed to my success, I have always upheld integrity, fairness, and transparency in all governance and compliancerelated matters. Open communication with both internal management and external stakeholders has been a cornerstone of my approach. I firmly believe that compliance should be positioned as a strategic business enabler rather than merely a legal obligation.

What’s your advice for young aspiring leaders?

Embrace your unique leadership style rather than conforming to traditional stereotypes. Leverage your strengths and lead with authenticity, ensuring transparency and fairness in all decision-making processes. Integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Advocate for yourself with confidence, recognize your worth, and value your contributions. View challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth, remain adaptable, and demonstrate resilience in the face of obstacles. Above all, trust in your abilities and decisions.

Vibha Shinde, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, Vishnu Chemicals

Vibha completed her schooling at St. Joseph’s Convent, Bhopal, and earned her graduate degree from Bhopal University. She pursued a law degree in Bhopal while simultaneously enrolling in the Company Secretary (CS) course at ICSI Delhi, building a strong foundation in corporate law and compliance. Her expertise extends to international corporate structuring, having facilitated company incorporations in Dubai and the U.S. Before Vishnu Chemicals, she managed mergers, due diligence, and equity dilution at Optimus Group.