Dr. Suresh Kalarikkal
About Dr. Suresh Kalarikkal
Dr. Suresh Kalarikkal serves as the Director and Head of Legal for India and the Middle East at Thoughtworks, where he has worked since 2018. He has a robust legal background with experience in various roles across multiple organizations and holds a PhD in Corporate Law.
Work at ThoughtWorks
Dr. Suresh Kalarikkal has been serving as the Director & Head of Legal for India and the Middle East at ThoughtWorks since 2023. He previously held the position of Head of Legal for India and Italy from 2014 to 2018. His role involves setting and implementing strategic business goals from a legal perspective and providing risk-based legal support to address evolving business needs. Dr. Kalarikkal has a focus on structuring and negotiating complex commercial deals, ensuring compliance, and improving legal processes within the organization.
Previous Legal Experience
Before joining ThoughtWorks, Dr. Kalarikkal worked in various legal roles across multiple organizations. He served as Legal Counsel at Magma Fincorp from 2005 to 2007, and then as Delivery Lead - Legal at Pramata Corporation from 2007 to 2010. He continued his career at GE Healthcare as Legal Counsel from 2010 to 2012, followed by a position as Senior Legal Counsel at American Express from 2012 to 2014. His diverse experience spans different sectors, enhancing his legal expertise.
Education and Expertise
Dr. Kalarikkal holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Corporate Law from Rabindranath Tagore University, which he completed from 2017 to 2021. He also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate Law from the University of Mysore in 2010. His foundational legal education includes a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and a BA (Law) (Hons.) from the University of Mysore, completed between 1996 and 2001. His educational background supports his expertise in various legal domains, including intellectual property, information technology, arbitration, competition, and employment laws.
Legal Skills and Specializations
Dr. Kalarikkal possesses a comprehensive skill set in legal practice, particularly in structuring and negotiating high-value commercial deals. He has extensive experience in legal process improvement and compliance, which is critical for organizations navigating complex regulatory environments. His knowledge encompasses a wide range of legal areas, including intellectual property laws, information technology laws, arbitration, competition law, and employment laws, making him a versatile legal professional.