Aparna Bawa, the Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Legal Officer of Zoom Video Communications, has played a pivotal role in transforming the video conferencing platform into a technological powerhouse. As the first woman to hold her position at Zoom, Bawa's strategic leadership has been integral to the company's success, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic.
With a background in law and finance, Bawa graduated from Marquette University with a B.Sc. in accounting and obtained her J.D. from Harvard Law School. She began her legal career at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, later transitioning to roles at Lehman Brothers and Deutsche Bank as an investment banker. Notably, she served as the General Counsel and Senior Vice President for Magento Commerce, which was acquired by Adobe in 2018.
Bawa's journey at Zoom started when she was appointed as the Director of Legal and Corporate Development at Inphi Corporation. Her expertise in overseeing corporate procedures and setting rules that support corporate culture aligns with her current role as the company undergoes a transformative shift from a video conferencing software to a comprehensive technological platform.
Zoom's tremendous success during the pandemic, with a 326% increase in revenue to $2.65 billion in fiscal 2021, is a testament to Bawa's commitment to meeting customer needs. The company's growth, facilitated by its dynamic leader, resulted in a 470% increase in its customer base, reaching 467,100 businesses between April 2020 and March 2021.
Beyond financial accomplishments, she has been recognized as one of the most influential business women by Fortune India in 2021 and 2022. Her leadership style, characterized by a "Get Stuff Done" mentality, has propelled Zoom to new heights in the competitive tech industry. Bawa's role extends beyond the COO position; she also serves as the interim Chief Legal Officer, overseeing crucial aspects such as government relations, security, privacy, compliance, trust and safety, and legal functions. Her unique perspective and expertise were acknowledged when she was appointed to the board of Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader.
The pandemic showcased Zoom's versatility as it became a vital tool for everything from virtual weddings to financial meetings. Bawa's efforts in navigating the surge in demand for virtual connectivity have been pivotal in shaping Zoom's trajectory. As the company founder and CEO, Eric S. Yuan, noted, Zoom became the platform for various human connections, from yoga classes to parliamentary sessions.
Bawa's journey at Zoom reflects her commitment to ensuring the platform remains at the forefront of technological innovation, providing essential services to millions worldwide. Her strategic outlook and dedication to connectivity have positioned Zoom as a vital player in the evolving landscape of digital communication.