In a significant development for India’s renewable energy sector, Fourth Partner Energy has appointed seasoned legal professional Shujath Bin Ali as its new Chief Legal Officer (CLO). With sustainability, regulatory compliance, and legal strategy becoming increasingly central to business operations, this leadership move reflects the company’s focus on strengthening its governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks as it expands its footprint across domestic and international markets.
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Hyderabad, Fourth Partner Energy has rapidly emerged as India’s leading integrated renewable energy solutions platform. The company offers a comprehensive suite of clean energy solutions, including on-site and off-site solar, wind, hybrid power, battery storage (BESS), and EV charging infrastructure.
Currently managing a remarkable 3.5 GW portfolio, with over 1.5 GW of green energy assets under management, the company operates across 24 Indian states and has established a growing international presence in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. Backed by an influential consortium of global impact investors such as IFC (World Bank Group), Asian Development Bank (ADB), DEG (KfW Group, Germany), Norfund (Norway), and The Rise Fund (TPG), Fourth Partner Energy is a critical player in India’s push towards achieving its renewable energy and sustainability targets.
Shujath Bin Ali’s appointment comes at a time when the renewable energy sector is witnessing rapid regulatory evolution, heightened ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) expectations, and increased stakeholder scrutiny. With over 24 years of experience, spanning legal, compliance, governance, ethics, and risk management, Shujath brings a strategic legal mindset that aligns with the complexities of today’s energy landscape.
Prior to joining Fourth Partner Energy, Shujath served as Global General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at Re Sustainability Limited, a KKR-backed global private equity portfolio company. At Re Sustainability, he led the global legal, compliance, governance, and risk functions, and was instrumental in shaping the company’s ESG, ethics, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) agenda.
His career has also seen leadership stints at PAREXEL International, International Paper – India, and Deloitte US-India, giving him a rich blend of industry exposure across pharmaceuticals, IT, manufacturing, sustainability, and professional services. This diverse background equips him with a deep understanding of both regulatory complexities and the operational nuances of fast-growing, impact-driven businesses.
In his new role, Shujath is tasked with leading the legal, compliance, governance, and risk functions at Fourth Partner Energy. His immediate focus areas include strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, managing key risks, overseeing contract negotiations, enabling
sustainable project execution, and ensuring compliance across markets. He will also play a crucial role in policy advocacy, particularly around critical areas such as Open Access, Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS), and emerging sectors like Green Hydrogen.
Speaking about his appointment, industry insiders note that Shujath’s expertise in navigating legal landscapes for highly regulated sectors makes him well-positioned to guide Fourth Partner Energy as it scales operations while maintaining a strong compliance culture.
Shujath’s professional excellence has been widely recognized over the years. He has been consistently featured among India’s Top 100 General Counsels by Legal 500 and Business World, named as one of the Top 10 Chief Compliance Officers by CEO Insights, and included in Forbes India’s list of top legal leaders. He was also honoured as one of India’s Distinguished Legal Minds by LegalEra and received the Young Achiever Award – Top 40 Lawyers under 40.
Beyond corporate corridors, Shujath remains an active contributor to India’s legal community. He has held leadership roles as the former Chairman of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) – Hyderabad Chapter, Founder Member of the Indian Corporate Counsel Association, and participant in various legal and corporate law committees of FICCI and FTAPCCI. He currently serves on prestigious bodies including the CII National Committee on Legal Services, ICSI’s ESG & Sustainability Board, and FICCI Telangana Executive Council, among others.
An alumnus of premier global institutions, Shujath’s academic credentials include a Commerce and Law degree, fellowship with ICSI, and executive education in Strategy, Leadership, and General Management from Harvard University, Indian School of Business, and National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. He also holds a Master’s in Law specializing in Alternate Dispute Resolution and International Commercial Arbitration.
His ability to blend legal acumen with business strategy, alongside a deep commitment to governance and ethical leadership, makes him a formidable force in India’s legal ecosystem.
With India’s renewable energy sector poised for exponential growth and increasing regulatory sophistication, legal leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. As Shujath Bin Ali takes on the mantle of Chief Legal Officer at Fourth Partner Energy, the industry will keenly watch his efforts to drive legal innovation, governance excellence, and sustainable growth in one of India’s most critical sectors.
www.grandmasters.in | 8 Years & Counting
www.rcls.in | 8 Years & Counting
www.itlegalsummit.com | 8 Years & Counting
www.bfls.in | 8 Years & Counting
www.maels.in | 8 Years & Counting
www.plcs.co.in | 8 Years & Counting
Copyright © 2020 Lex Witness - India's 1st Magazine on Legal & Corporate Affairs Rights of Admission Reserved
