Ms. Rekha Daniel is a highly accomplished legal professional and a key leader at Fresenius Medical Care India Private Limited. With a deep understanding of the medical devices sector, her expertise spans regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and legal strategy. Over the past three years, Ms. Daniel’s role has broadened from purely legal advisory functions to a more strategic, cross-functional role, where she now influences critical business decisions and oversees legal affairs for the South Asia cluster, including India. Her appointment to the Board of Directors is a testament to her exceptional contributions and leadership.
In what ways has your role as the Head of Legal at Fresenius Medical Care evolved over the past three years?
Over the past three years, my understanding of the medical devices sector has deepened significantly. This sector is now more regulated and complex than ever before. FME has recognized my contributions by appointing me to the Board of Directors and expanding my responsibilities to include the South Asia cluster beyond India. As a result, my responsibilities have broadened from purely legal advisory functions to a more strategic, cross-functional role. I am now more deeply involved in business decision-making processes, collaborating with departments like compliance, finance, and operations to ensure that legal considerations are seamlessly integrated into broader corporate strategies. Furthermore, I have built and nurtured a more structured and responsive legal team, transforming our department into a valued business partner. These factors combined have significantly elevated the role of the legal team. We have transitioned from reactive day-to-day work to driving strategic outcomes. A notable example is the GST judgment, which has reshaped the dialysis sector.
Please tell us how you ensure you remain up-to-date with healthcare regulations in the complex markets of South Asia.
I regularly review updates from government bodies, regulatory agencies, and healthcare industry associations to stay informed about the latest developments. This involves subscribing to newsletters, attending industry conferences, and engaging in discussions with regulatory experts and peers. My team and I also maintain close relationships with local legal advisors in each country to stay attuned to jurisdiction-specific regulatory shifts. In addition, we collaborate closely with top law firms that provide us with tailored updates, guidance, and analysis on how specific regulatory changes impact our business. Their expertise helps us navigate the complexities of healthcare law across various jurisdictions. Another critical aspect is how we process and apply the information we receive. All updates are shared across internal teams, fostering collaborative discussions on their implications. We rely on feedback from different departments to understand how these regulatory changes affect various facets of our operations, enabling us to respond proactively and strategically. By combining external expertise with internal dialogue and cross-functional collaboration, we ensure that our legal team remains not only informed but also capable of translating regulatory changes into actionable steps that protect and enhance our business operations across South Asia.
Can you explain how you ensure your legal team stays agile in a rapidly changing healthcare environment?
My team is responsible for handling legal affairs across multiple countries. Therefore, I emphasize continuous learning and adaptability. Operating across different legal frameworks ensures agility, as it is essential to tailor our strategies to the specific laws of each country. Secondly, I encourage my team to engage directly in discussions and negotiations with all stakeholders – internal departments, customers, dealers, partners, industry bodies, and government organizations. Being part of these conversations necessitates meticulous preparation and enhances our understanding of the challenges and perspectives of counterparties. Interpersonal interactions also foster a sense of camaraderie, and ultimately, the teams collaborate and come up with win-win scenarios.
Please tell us what you find most rewarding about your career so far.
The most rewarding aspect of my career as a legal professional has been the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on business and the lives of patients and employees. As the head of the legal department at FME, I have had the opportunity to guide teams through complex legal and regulatory compliances. Witnessing the positive outcomes of our efforts—whether in dispute resolution, contract negotiations, or corporate governance—gives me a profound sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Please provide some guidance for young legal professionals who wish to pursue leadership roles.
To achieve leadership in the legal profession, it is crucial to develop both legal expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Focus on continuous learning, not only in legal knowledge but also in understanding the business. Build relationships, collaborate effectively, and cultivate mentorship. Be proactive in seeking challenges, as they provide invaluable experience. Emphasize integrity, strategic thinking, and adaptability in your decision-making. Leadership is about guiding teams and creating a positive impact, so embrace responsibility early on and aim to inspire trust and respect through your actions.
