Sarita Malakar – V2X

Sarita Malakar, vice president and deputy general counsel at V2X, Inc., is at the forefront of driving legal initiatives and best practices for the New York Stock Exchange-listed aerospace and defense company. With her extensive experience and strategic vision, Malakar oversees diverse legal matters to help ensure compliance and facilitate corporate growth.

Sarita Malakar | V2X | Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Sustainability Officer

V2X is a leading provider of critical mission solutions primarily to defense clients in 322 locations and 51 countries and territories worldwide. V2X has a global team of approximately 16,000 employees and 6,200 subcontract personnel and recorded nearly $4 billion in revenue in 2023. V2X delivers a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions across the operations, logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian, and international clients.

At V2X, Malakar leads crucial matters across various practice areas, including SEC compliance, corporate and board governance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and sustainability. Malakar is responsible for overseeing SEC reporting and compliance matters. Recently, as the Corporate Secretary, she serves as a strategic advisor to the company’s executive officers and the board of directors on significant corporate governance matters and corporate events. Ms. Malakar plays a vital role in the M&A space, orchestrating seamless transactions and navigating cross-functional teams to drive the company’s strategic objectives forward.

“I’m committed to driving impactful legal projects that propel V2X forward, ensuring compliance and fostering growth,” Malakar says.

She leads the company’s sustainability strategy and governance, spearheaded V2X’s inaugural sustainability report published in October 2023, and serves as a matrix leader to the various subject matter experts supporting sustainability. Malakar is a vital asset to the Company’s legal department and ensures that V2X remains “Trusted Wherever the Mission Leads.”

Legal leadership

Malakar is instrumental in upholding corporate governance standards, fostering organizational transparency and advising the company through its evolution. Her results-driven mindset, ability to collaborate and build consensus with cross-functional leaders, and meticulous and thoughtful approach to problem-solving drive complex legal solutions and initiatives at V2X.

In the dynamic aerospace and defense environment, Malakar’s leadership, results-oriented approach and project management skills are invaluable assets to V2X. By spearheading multifaceted initiatives and driving positive change, she plays an important role in shaping the company’s future trajectory and reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.

“I prioritize maintaining corporate governance standards and transparency at V2X. I aim to safeguard our reputation and stakeholder trust, contributing to our success in the aerospace and defense industry,” Malakar says.

All about the team

Malakar acknowledges that it is only with the support of her small but mighty team and being a successful matrix leader at V2X that she can drive results effectively and efficiently across the enterprise, including in her recent role as V2X’s first sustainability officer and corporate secretary.

Malakar’s presence as a female leader in the aerospace and defense industry sends a powerful message of possibility. Malakar notes that V2X’s inclusive culture has enabled her to find meaningful, impactful work that pushes her out of her comfort zone to support her growth and development. With female representation in key leadership positions at V2X, she recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives in driving organizational success.

Malakar’s commitment to diversity and equity extends beyond her professional responsibility in education equity. As a board advisor with Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia, she advocates for underrepresented communities’ access to educational opportunities, striving to create pathways for success and socio-economic mobility.

Overcoming obstacles, embracing success

Malakar’s journey from her hometown of Kathmandu, Nepal, to the V2X boardroom has been anything but linear. A former CPA turned lawyer, she has no regimented career plan and has been open to change and challenges. Her success unfolded with pivotal moments that have shaped her career trajectory.

When Malakar came to the U.S. to pursue an undergraduate degree, she had no precise career path. She pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she received a degree in accounting. She joined a big accounting firm as a tax accountant and, after obtaining her CPA license, decided she wanted to do more. She spent months agonizing about pursuing an MBA or a law degree. She decided to pursue a legal career when a well-meaning colleague informed her that the legal field is not for an immigrant whose first language is not English.

After earning her J.D. from the George Washington University School of Law, Malakar spent over eight years in private practice honing her skills and expertise in various legal domains in the United States and abroad in Singapore at prestigious law firms. After moving in-house, she held roles such as director/corporate counsel for American Water and assistant general counsel for Argo Group, gaining invaluable experience.

In July 2022, Malakar joined V2X as vice president, deputy general counsel, corporate and assistant secretary, enabling her to continue excelling and making significant contributions in the legal realm. She has since been promoted to corporate secretary and sustainability officer.

Throughout her journey, Malakar’s path has been characterized by a commitment to challenging norms and breaking barriers. Her transition from accounting to law reflects her resilience and determination to pursue a career aligned with her passions and aspirations.

“I want to be an example of how the legal field is an inclusive profession and dispel stereotypes and myths of what makes a good lawyer,“ she notes.

Despite facing obstacles as a woman of color, Malakar was the first woman in her family to pursue a college degree and the first lawyer. As an immigrant and a woman of color, Malakar takes immense pride and responsibility in supporting other women in breaking barriers and achieving their goals. Her journey serves as a testament to the idea that success in the legal profession is not limited by one’s background or circumstances but is driven by dedication, perseverance, and a belief in one’s capabilities.

“My journey has been anything but linear, filled with unexpected turns and challenges. Yet, each experience has shaped me into the professional I am today, and I am grateful for them. They have also helped me bring a unique perspective and add value,” Malakar says.
Malakar lives with her husband, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army, and with her daughter, who she hopes will continue her journey of breaking barriers and creating her own firsts.