Insights & Resources

This GC Spotlight Q&A session features Vaishali Shah Bhatia, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at ATI Inc. Learn more about Vaishali's career and her experience taking over the helm as GC at one of the largest and most diversified specialty materials and components producers in the world, her approach to leadership, and what she finds to be the most helpful in the search process with Carpenter Legal Search, having been through the recruiting process with multiple hires for the ATI Legal Department.

You became the SVP, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of ATI in 2024. How did you get up to speed when joining the company? What was the most challenging aspect of the transition?

Any transition brings its challenges, but learning the business, culture, and people is always at the top of the list. ATI made that process thoughtful with a strong onboarding plan — including one-on-one meetings with my team, senior leaders, and key employees, as well as visits to our business units to see operations firsthand. Coming from over a decade in the energy industry, this was certainly a change, but those early connections and experiences helped me get up to speed quickly. I’m still learning every day, which is part of what makes this role so exciting.

If you could pick just one attribute that most defines you and contributes to your success, what would that be?

If I had to choose one attribute that defines me, it would be a blend of integrity and collaboration. I believe in doing the right things the right way — with honesty and respect — while also recognizing that the best outcomes come from working together. Leading with integrity builds trust; leading collaboratively turns that trust into progress.

What is the most exciting aspect of leading the ATI’s legal team? What is your approach to leadership?

ATI operates in a space where advanced materials, technology, and global business dynamics converge, so our legal work isn’t just about compliance — it’s about enabling progress responsibly.  Every day presents an opportunity to contribute to how we grow as a company while aligning with ethical and legal excellence.

My approach to leadership is rooted in empowerment and clarity. I believe in building a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous learning. The legal team at ATI is very knowledgeable about the company and legal matters, and the team has the autonomy to lead in their areas of expertise. Open communication and collaboration across disciplines are key. I also try to lead with empathy — understanding that great results come from people who feel supported and valued.

How do you and the legal department support ATI’s values and commitment to sustainability?

For ATI, values aren’t just words — they guide how we operate every day - leading with integrity and accountability. It also means recognizing our responsibility to operate sustainably — building our growth and success on ethical practices and respect for our communities and environment. The legal team helps reinforce those values by embedding them into how we make decisions and help manage risk across the company.

What is one thing you keep in mind as you look forward to your future with ATI?

As ATI continues its transformation and growth, I keep in mind the importance of being nimble — both as a company and as a legal function. Change brings opportunity, and the legal team plays a critical role in helping ATI move with agility while maintaining integrity. My focus is on leading a team that partners closely with the business, anticipates challenges, and finds creative, practical solutions that enable growth.

CLS has a long recruiting partnership with ATI and recently recruited a commercial and business attorney to your team. As this was your first experience engaging us as the new General Counsel, what value did we bring to the process specifically for you on this search?

As this was my first engagement with CLS, I found the experience both efficient and strategic. CLS demonstrated a deep understanding of ATI’s business and culture, which made the search process highly targeted and effective. They didn’t just present qualified candidates — they brought forward individuals whose experience and mindset aligned with our culture.  Their ability to translate our evolving business needs into a candidate profile that balanced technical legal expertise with commercial acumen was very helpful.

What is the sagest career advice you have received that you can offer to those who are being recruited for a position or looking to add to their team?

The best advice I’ve ever received is to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and who challenge your thinking — across every level of the organization. Personal growth happens when you create an environment where diverse ideas and perspectives make you stretch beyond your comfort zone.