In the ever-evolving world of global business, where technology, regulation, and expansion intersect, the role of a General Counsel has transformed into something far more dynamic than traditional legal oversight. It is no longer just about interpreting the law; it is about shaping decisions, enabling growth, and building resilient organizations.

Pramendra Tomar, SVP – General Counsel at TBO Tek Limited, exemplifies this evolution. With over two decades of experience spanning company law, governance, cross-border transactions, and high-stakes corporate milestones, his journey reflects not just professional growth but a deeper shift in how legal leadership is defined in today’s world.

Where It All Began: Building the Foundations of Governance

Pramendra’s journey into corporate legal leadership was not accidental; it was intentional, layered, and shaped over time. Beginning with a strong grounding in company law and company secretarial practice, he gained early exposure to the mechanics that hold organizations together, governance structures, regulatory frameworks, and boardroom dynamics.

This foundation proved to be more than just technical training. It became his lens for understanding how organizations function at their core. As his career progressed, he naturally gravitated toward transactional work, particularly cross-border deals, where legal expertise meets strategy.

It was here that the role began to transform, from a function focused on compliance to one deeply embedded in business decision-making.

From Legal Technician to Strategic Advisor

A significant chapter in Pramendra’s career unfolded during his tenure at Apollo International Group. Over the years, his role evolved far beyond its initial scope. What began as a compliance-focused position gradually expanded into handling strategic transactions, international operations, and leadership-level decision-making.

This transition was not just about increased responsibility; it was about a change in perspective. He moved from being a legal expert operating within defined boundaries to becoming a business-aligned advisor influencing outcomes.

Another defining milestone came during his time with the Ola Group, where he played a key role in the IPO of Ola Electric. Being part of such a landmark transaction, one of the first EV IPOs in India, was both intense and deeply rewarding. It offered a front-row seat to the complexities of public markets, global collaborations, and high-stakes execution.

More importantly, it reinforced a belief that continues to guide him:

Legal is not just about mitigating risk; it is about enabling transformation.

Leading Legal in a Borderless, Tech-Driven Business

At TBO, Pramendra operates in an environment defined by scale, speed, and constant innovation. The company’s presence across multiple jurisdictions introduces layers of regulatory complexity, while its technology-driven model demands agility and forward-thinking legal support.

His approach is rooted in anticipation rather than reaction. Instead of stepping in when issues arise, he focuses on building frameworks that identify risks early, standardize processes, and integrate legal into strategic conversations from the outset.

This alignment ensures that legal priorities do not exist in isolation but are closely tied to business objectives. Whether it is entering new markets, structuring partnerships, or navigating regulatory landscapes, the focus remains consistent, delivering solutions that are both commercially viable and legally sound.

Enabling Innovation Without Slowing It Down

Operating at the intersection of travel and technology, TBO’s ecosystem involves cutting-edge innovations in AI and machine learning. These advancements bring with them a new generation of legal considerations, data privacy, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows, among others.

For Pramendra, the challenge lies in supporting innovation without becoming a bottleneck. The solution, as he sees it, lies in integration. Legal must work alongside product and technology teams from the very beginning, embedding compliance into the design itself rather than layering it on later.

This approach transforms compliance from a reactive obligation into a built-in advantage, one that allows the business to scale confidently across borders.

The Art and Science of Global Expansion

Having worked extensively on mergers, acquisitions, and international structuring, Pramendra brings a nuanced understanding of what it takes to expand globally.

He views M&A not merely as a transactional exercise, but as a strategic journey that begins long before a deal is signed and continues well after it is closed. A deep understanding of regulatory environments across jurisdictions is essential, but equally important is the ability to identify integration risks, cultural alignment, and potential liabilities.

Structuring, in his view, forms the backbone of any successful transaction. It must balance tax efficiency, governance clarity, and operational flexibility from the outset. Yet, the true test lies in post-acquisition integration, where legal plays a critical role in ensuring that the acquired entity not only fits but thrives within the larger organization.

Because ultimately, success in M&A is not defined by the deal itself, but by the value it continues to create.

Navigating Complexity with Clarity

Working across geographies inevitably brings challenges, regulatory differences, cultural nuances, and operational constraints. One particularly demanding experience involved managing a cross-border transaction with multiple stakeholders, tight timelines, and evolving regulations.

What stood out in that moment was not just the complexity of the problem, but the importance of the approach. By breaking down the issue, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining transparent communication, Pramendra was able to navigate the situation effectively.

Experiences like these underscore a simple yet powerful lesson: in moments of pressure, clarity and composure often matter more than complexity.

Governance as a Foundation, Not a Constraint

With a strong background in company law and governance, Pramendra holds an uncompromising view on ethics. For him, governance is not negotiable; it is foundational.

He believes that ethical conduct must sit at the core of every business decision. Any short-term gain achieved at the cost of integrity ultimately weakens the organization. To ensure this, he focuses on institutionalizing governance through robust policies, internal controls, and accountability mechanisms.

However, he is equally clear that governance should not hinder growth. When embedded effectively, it becomes a strategic enabler, building trust, enhancing credibility, and supporting sustainable value creation.

Balancing Risk with Opportunity

At the heart of Pramendra’s role lies the delicate balance between risk and growth. Rather than attempting to eliminate risk entirely, he focuses on understanding and managing it.

By providing leadership teams with a clear view of the risk landscape along with practical options, he enables informed decision-making. This approach shifts the conversation from risk avoidance to risk awareness, allowing businesses to move forward with confidence rather than hesitation.

Building Teams That Think Beyond Law

For Pramendra, a strong legal function is built on people, individuals who combine technical expertise with commercial awareness and a collaborative mindset.

He looks for professionals who are curious, adaptable, and willing to step beyond traditional legal roles. In a fast-changing environment, these qualities become critical.

Equally important is the culture he fosters. By encouraging ownership, accountability, and open communication, he creates an environment where team members feel empowered to think independently and contribute meaningfully.

Mentorship plays a central role in this process, ensuring that talent is not only developed but also aligned with the broader goals of the organization.

A Message to the Next Generation

For aspiring legal professionals, Pramendra’s advice is grounded in experience and clarity. Building a strong foundation in legal knowledge is essential, but it is only the beginning. What truly sets professionals apart is their ability to understand business, communicate effectively, and adapt to change.

He encourages young lawyers to seek diverse experiences early in their careers, as each exposure, whether in compliance, litigation, or transactions, adds depth to their perspective.

Above all, he emphasizes the importance of integrity. In a profession built on trust, credibility remains the most valuable asset one can carry forward.

Redefining Legal Leadership

Pramendra’s journey is a reflection of what modern legal leadership truly looks like. It is not confined to statutes and contracts; it extends into strategy, innovation, and growth.

By positioning legal at the intersection of risk, execution, and opportunity, he demonstrates that the function can be far more than a safeguard. It can be a compass, guiding organizations through complexity while keeping them aligned with their ambitions.

In a world where businesses are scaling faster than ever before, that kind of leadership is not just valuable, it is essential.

-Interview Conducted By Shivani Solanki