IIM Ahmedabad partners with Cyril Shroff to launch General Counsel leadership academy

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) has partnered with Cyril Shroff to establish a leadership academy focused on strengthening the capabilities of General Counsels (GCs) and preparing them for evolving corporate responsibilities.

The Cyril Shroff-IIMA GC Leadership Academy was formally launched at the IIM Ahmedabad campus following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.

The initiative combines executive education, research, and peer learning to help legal leaders develop the skills required to navigate complex business environments and take on broader leadership roles within their organizations.

Cyril Shroff, managing partner of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), is the co-founder of the academy. He has more than 40 years of experience in the legal profession.

According to IIM Ahmedabad, the academy will provide GCs with executive education and access to a network of senior peers.

The initiative is intended to help participants strengthen leadership capabilities and contribute more effectively to their organizations and the legal profession.

The academy will focus on four key areas. The first is boardroom and enterprise leadership, through which GCs will develop strategic judgment, decision-making skills and the confidence needed to participate in board-level discussions and enterprise-wide leadership.

The second focus area is business, finance and strategy integration. The program will help legal leaders build a deeper understanding of finance, strategy, governance, risk management, organizational behavior and business transformation.

Technology, AI and emerging risks form the third area of focus. Participants will be exposed to subjects including artificial intelligence, digital transformation and cybersecurity, along with governance challenges arising from emerging technologies.

The fourth priority is global peer learning and thought leadership. The academy will create a network of experienced GCs and provide opportunities for peer learning, international exposure and certification aimed at developing future legal leaders.

IIM Ahmedabad will contribute its case-based teaching approach and academic expertise across areas including strategy, finance, marketing, human resources, negotiation, organizational behavior, decision science, AI and public policy.

The partnership is aimed at combining legal expertise with management education to help GCs respond to the growing complexity, accountability and global expectations associated with modern corporate leadership.