Godfrey Phillips India, one of India’s leading tobacco and FMCG companies, has announced the appointment of Jaishree Tolani as its new General Counsel, effective July 1, 2025.
This development marks a significant leadership transition as the company strengthens its in-house legal capabilities amid a dynamic regulatory environment.
About Jaishree Tolani
Jaishree Tolani brings over 16 years of diverse legal experience to her new role. She graduated in law in 2008 and started her career at KPMG. She then joined AZB & Partners, one of India’s premier law firms, where she worked for more than 14 years, rising to the rank of Partner. After leaving AZB in December 2023, she practiced law independently before taking up the General Counsel position at Godfrey Phillips India.
Leadership Transition at Godfrey Phillips
Tolani takes over the General Counsel role from Rajesh Nair, who resigned from his position. Her appointment reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its legal and governance frameworks, especially as regulatory scrutiny and ESG considerations intensify in the tobacco and FMCG sectors.
Godfrey Phillips India’s senior management expects Tolani’s appointment to bolster the company’s ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage litigation, and support strategic growth initiatives.
What This Means for Godfrey Phillips India
The appointment signals the company’s commitment to robust corporate governance and compliance as it continues to diversify its product portfolio beyond tobacco. With Tolani’s deep experience advising large corporates, her leadership is likely to play a critical role in shaping the legal strategy, mitigating risks, and supporting the Board and management on policy and compliance.
Her background at AZB & Partners, known for its high-profile transactions and dispute resolution practice, is expected to benefit Godfrey Phillips India’s legal operations significantly.
Recent Industry Trends
The move comes at a time when Indian companies are increasingly investing in senior in-house legal talent to manage complex issues around ESG, regulatory shifts, and business transformation. More law firm partners are moving in-house, bringing external counsel expertise to corporate legal departments.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should consult professionals before making decisions.
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