ACKO, an Indian private general insurance company, has announced the appointment of Aravind Venugopal as its first General Counsel. Aravind is a seasoned corporate attorney with over 12 years of experience, specializing in M&A and financial services. He brings a deep understanding of legal, compliance, regulatory and structuring aspects of multiple sectors including insurance, financial services, technology, IT and ITES, infrastructure et al. Aravind’s insurance practice is recommended by Legal500.
At ACKO, Aravind’s role will be to provide strategic counsel to the management team on expansion plans and new business initiatives. Aravind will also help build a world-class legal team that will enable ACKO to navigate the dynamic and evolving regulatory environment.
Prior to joining ACKO, he was a partner with the Mumbai and Bangalore offices of Khaitan & Co, a leading Indian law firm, advising on the largest M&A transactions. Aravind brings extensive experience in the insurance sector. He has advised Nippon Life on all Indian investments (across insurance and mutual funds), India’s largest foreign direct investment in the financial services sector.
He has also advised True North on the acquisition of a controlling stake in Max Bupa, Aditya Birla Group on the creation of their health insurance JV and bid for acquisition of IDBI Federal Life Insurance, and Union Bank on the divestment of its stake in India First Life Insurance.
Aravind has also advised various insurers and distributors on bespoke distribution arrangement and associated regulatory issues.
Speaking about Aravind’s appointment, Ruchi Deepak, Co-founder of ACKO, said, “We are delighted to welcome Aravind to our leadership team. In his new position, he will lead the regulatory affairs. His extensive experience in the insurance sector will help ACKO achieve effective governance, compliance, and better understanding of the law of the land.”
