Navdeep Choudhary is a seasoned legal professional who currently serves as the Chief Legal Officer at Yum India. With over two decades of experience, Navdeep has navigated the intricate legal landscapes of various industries, including retail, insurance, and quick-service restaurants. 

In this insightful interview, Navdeep offers his perspectives on the evolving legal landscape, particularly within the dynamic food service industry, and shares his wisdom on effective team management and advice for aspiring legal professionals.

• What initially sparked your interest in law, and how did you find your passion?

From a young age, I was captivated by the world of law, with courtroom dramas in movies sparking my interest. This fascination only deepened during my college years. Seeing accomplished lawyers address us and witnessing their significant impact on society profoundly inspired me. Their ability to influence and add value to our communities was truly admirable. This growing respect for the profession ultimately led me to pursue a career in law.

• Could you walk us through your career trajectory and highlight some pivotal moments or experiences that have shaped it?

My first role was at India’s Clothing Limited, where I was the inaugural hire for their legal department. I managed legalities for two factories, handling contracts, litigation, and policy development. I established the contract management process and internal compliance policies, boosting my confidence in building effective systems from scratch. I have dealt with and ensured settlements in a large-scale cross-border litigation.

I then joined Shoppers Stop Limited, managing lease agreements and real estate transactions and directly negotiating with top builders. I then moved to Canara HSBC OBC Life insurance Company Limited , overseeing compliance, contract management, and litigation for their insurance joint venture, contributing significantly to their operational framework.

Returning to Shoppers Stop, I spent six years spearheading expansion of Shoppers Stop, Hypercity, Mac, Clinique and Estee Lauder in North and East India, handling critical negotiations, policy making and large scale litigation. Then, at Jubilant FoodWorks, the master franchisee for Domino’s in India, I led a large legal team, managed extensive legal issues including engagement with policy makers and industry bodies across India Sub Continent, and worked closely in setting up a joint venture in Bangladesh.

I have been at Yum India for seven years, navigating the legal, compliance and governance complexities of a global multinational corporation . As the company’s FCPA guardian, I ensure compliance with FCPA regulations and oversee contract and litigation management along with compliance, secretarial and franchisee governance verticals. I have supported both the franchisees on their IPO journey, crafting the prospectus and helping them effectively maneuver the necessary compliance requirements before they went public. I implemented an in-house contract management system, integrated digital tools like Mike Legal for document vetting, and established a digital signature platform, streamlining our processes. Support on strategy and documentation to buy equity stake within a franchisee and ensuring the sale of the same with a good margin afterward was a great experience. I also established a companywide risk management framework and overhauled all the processes on the secretarial side for better management of board-level decisions.

• What challenges have you faced in ensuring legal compliance?

The food industry is incredibly dynamic. Previously regulated under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, which focused on criminal prosecution, the sector has seen a significant shift with the introduction of the Food Safety Act and the establishment of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Now, companies can engage directly with the regulator to shape policies and address concerns.

This new regulatory environment allows constant updates and changes, making compliance exciting and challenging. Social media adds another layer of complexity, as any customer can act as a food safety inspector, potentially impacting our reputation instantly. We have robust crisis management protocols to address customer concerns swiftly, maintaining our hard-earned goodwill.

We also work closely with regulators, franchisees, and industry bodies to ensure proper policies and guardrails are in place. The industry demands constant innovation, from core products to digital infrastructure. I played a key role in enhancing our digital presence by negotiating with vendors and drafting relevant documentation for our website and mobile app for both KFC and Pizza Hut brands.

Additionally, I actively contribute to industry-wide initiatives, sharing insights with peers, authorities, and competitors to address common challenges. This collaborative approach ensures positive outcomes for the entire industry.

• Looking ahead, what are the future trends or challenges in the legal landscape, particularly within the food service industry? 

The food industry is evolving rapidly, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) spearheading the drive for stricter standards. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant increase in standardized processes, which provide clarity for compliance and ensure food safety. This proactive approach by the FSSAI is crucial for maintaining hygiene and customer satisfaction, especially in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector.

To stay ahead in this changing landscape, it’s essential to remain agile and adapt to new regulations and customer preferences. By investing in robust infrastructure, processes, and digital technologies, we can effectively meet evolving compliance requirements and address emerging challenges, such as privacy regulations. Our proactive compliance measures position us well to navigate future regulatory changes and uphold industry standards.

• How has your journey from individual contributor to executive leader shaped your view on the importance of team management for organizational success?

As you climb the career ladder, effective team management becomes increasingly critical. Reflecting on my journey from an individual contributor to an executive leader, I’ve learned the importance of nurturing talent and building cohesive teams.

Ensuring that teams are well-equipped with the right talent, tools, and support is essential for success. As the company and department grow, so does the responsibility to foster their development. Mentoring and guidance are vital to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and drive organizational success.

• Given your extensive experience, what advice would you offer aspiring legal professionals?

For new entrants, clarity of goals is paramount. Understanding your aspirations and aptitudes is crucial in choosing the right path, whether in private practice, judiciary, or in-house counsel. Seeking guidance from seasoned professionals can provide valuable insights and clarity.

Once you’ve identified your goals, hard work and persistence are essential. Put in the effort, equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and tools, build an effective network, and stay focused on your Northstar. With determination and guidance, success is within reach.