Meet Our Trailblazer: Ram Chandra SH, Manager, Company Secretary

Unlocking Success: How Ramchandra SH's Determination Propelled Him to Excel as a Company Secretary at Diageo India

At Diageo India, we take immense pride in the exceptional individuals who make up our team. Today, we highlight the story of Ramchandra SH, our Manager - Company Secretary, whose journey reflects the power of resilience, hard work, and unwavering passion.

Ramchandra's life can be divided into two distinct phases. In his early years, he faced academic challenges and struggled with certain subjects. However, his passion for law and strong interest in corporate governance matters motivated him to pursue professional courses. "I had always been interested in this area," he recalls. "After completing my PUC, I began to develop a great interest in studies, and from then on, there was no turning back."

Ramchandra earned his B.Com degree from MES College Bangalore and later obtained a CS degree from ICSI. With his qualifications in hand, he commenced his professional journey at a prominent Indian IT company. Securing a position as a CS trainee was no small achievement; he accomplished this by passing the rigorous CS professional exams in a single attempt. "I was fortunate to meet the requirements, and that's how my career began," he shares.

Subsequently, he joined one of the largest public accounting firms, where he further refined his skills and learned the art of resilience. "Every day was a challenge. There was always a lot of pressure when dealing with clients, working with them, and convincing them - a roller coaster ride, every single day," he shares.

As the Manager - Company Secretary at Diageo India, Ramchandra has discovered an invigorating work environment. "Diageo, as an organization, is a whole new experience for me. The open work culture here is truly inclusive. There are no separate cabins; everyone works together. You can approach any leader at any time and seek advice from them," he says.

Ramchandra's role as Company Secretary is critical to Diageo India. He and his team play a crucial role in ensuring the company's compliance with key corporate laws and regulations. "We are essentially the subject matter experts of various corporate and regulatory laws," he explains. "Our work is ongoing throughout the year, and we need to assess various aspects of laws and amendments in regulatory framework, covering major corporate governance matters."

Taking inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramchandra attributes his success to the footballer's never-give-up attitude. "The main thing I've learned from him is resilience and how to keep getting back up every time the odds are against you and deliver when it matters the most," he shares.

Ramchandra's journey has not been without its share of personal challenges. Initially, his father, a chartered accountant, wanted him to follow in his footsteps. "He was very keen on me becoming a chartered accountant as he didn't have much knowledge about Company Secretary as a profession," he reveals. Nevertheless, Ramchandra's determination and achievements have made his father proud. In addition to his professional life, he finds joy in sports, singing, exploring his passion for astronomy, and staying informed about business and financial news.

Ramchandra's advice to aspiring professionals is both straightforward and powerful: "Be resilient, work hard. Nothing worth having comes easily; you should be adaptable enough to absorb it all and make the effort to achieve your goals."