United Spirits Limited has kicked off a leadership reshuffle in its senior legal function, with a mix of exits and a high-profile appointment set to take effect in the coming weeks. The company disclosed that Shobana Nikam, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, has resigned from the services of the company with effect from the close of business on 31 October 2026. In parallel, Archana Sasan, who has been serving as Interim General Counsel in a consulting capacity, will cease to be an SMP (Senior Management Personnel) at the close of business on 31 December 2026. Against this backdrop, the board has also approved the appointment of a new General Counsel, India, to strengthen the legal leadership as of 1 December 2026.
Shobana Nikam’s departure marks the end of a tenure that the company characterises as part of its ongoing leadership transition. The resignation is reported to be due to personal reasons, and the company has noted the developments in its governance announcements. Archana Sasan, meanwhile, will wrap up her interim stint at the end of December, completing a consulting-led phase that supported continuity in the legal function during the transition period.
The incoming General Counsel, India, is Mr. Sameer Chugh, who brings more than three decades of experience in legal leadership across highly regulated sectors. He joins United Spirits from Games24x7, where he served as Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel. His career spans leadership roles at the Bharti Group, British Telecom, Essar Group, and Cummins, with a track record in governance, M&A, litigation, regulatory matters, and complex commercial transactions. The board, acting on the Nomination and Remuneration Committee’s recommendation, positions him to lead the Indian legal function from December.
Taken together, the moves underscore United Spirits’ emphasis on a robust, continuity-focused legal framework as it navigates a dynamic regulatory and growth landscape. With two senior departures and a carefully selected incoming GC, the company aims to maintain strategic alignment and safeguard governance as it steers its next phase of growth under the broader Diageo India umbrella.