Achala worked with the Tata Group for over 26 years, starting at Tata Steel and later moving to Tata Sons in Delhi. She then joined Vodafone in 2013, where she held various roles, including Vice President and National Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs. In 2017, she retired voluntarily. Besides her professional achievements, Achala is a fitness enthusiast, running a yoga studio in Hyderabad, and enjoys activities like golf, swimming, music, and travel. She is also an alumna of Columbia University, graduating cum laude with a major in Economics.