Shakeel Sarwar Email & Phone Number

Riyadh, Sa

Saudi Arabia

As a GRC Specialist with a focus on Enterprise Risk Management and Business Development, I play a pivotal role in ensuring our organization’s adherence to information security and regulatory frameworks. My responsibilities encompass conducting comprehensive gap and compliance assessments to identify and address any deficiencies within our current systems and processes.In my role, I evaluate cybersecurity risks to ensure that robust security controls are implemented to protect our data and systems. This involves thorough analysis and mitigation planning to safeguard against potential threats and vulnerabilities, thus maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of our information assets.As a Certified Lead Auditor for ISMS ISO 27001, I conduct in-depth audits to ensure our Information Security Management System (ISMS) complies with ISO 27001 standards. This includes:- Audit Planning and Execution- Policy Development- Policy Development- Continuous ImprovementFurthermore, I contribute significantly to business development by engaging with potential clients to understand their unique GRC needs and offering tailored solutions that align with their strategic objectives. I develop detailed proposals and responses to RFPs, leveraging my expertise to secure new business opportunities and drive organizational growth.Through market research and trend analysis, I identify emerging opportunities within the GRC sector and work on expanding our service offerings to meet these demands. By building and maintaining strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, I promote our company’s capabilities at conferences, seminars, and through various marketing channels.In summary, as a GRC Specialist and Certified Lead Auditor for ISMS ISO 27001, I ensure the effective management of enterprise risks and contribute to the growth and success of our business by maintaining compliance, enhancing security measures, and driving business development efforts.

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Orchestrated comprehensive information security initiatives, safeguarding digital assets and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. Effectively mitigating cybersecurity threats. Development and execution of the GRC strategies that harmonized governance, risk management, and compliance functions, reinforcing the organization's commitment to best practices. Ensuring organizational adherence to a myriad of industry-specific regulations, standards, and data protection laws, including stringent regulatory requirements mandated by SAMA and NCA. Effectively guided clients through complex regulatory landscapes. Conducted rigorous risk assessments, identifying vulnerabilities and threats to the organization's security posture. Implementation of risk mitigation measures and establishment of a culture of proactive risk management. Deployed and maintained security frameworks, including ISO 27001 to guide the organization toward stringent security standards and best practices. Formulated, reviewed, and updated information security policies, procedures, and guidelines to align with changing regulatory requirements and security trends. Established incident response plans and coordinated effective responses to security incidents, minimizing potential damage and downtime. Led compliance audits and assessments, ensuring alignment with regulatory obligations and industry standards. Providing expert consultation to clients in diverse industries, addressing their unique security and compliance challenges, and delivering tailored solutions. Directed and mentored cross-functional teams of information security and GRC professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Designed and conducted training programs and awareness campaigns, enhancing organizational understanding of information security and GRC best practices.

Kampala, Uganda

Develop, lead, and execute the organization's GRC strategy to ensure alignment with corporate goals and objectives. Provide oversight of the governance structure, policies, and procedures to guide decision-making and accountability throughout the organization. Lead the identification, assessment, and management of risks, including financial, operational, strategic, and compliance risks. Implement risk management strategies and monitor risk exposure. Ensure the organization complies with relevant laws, regulations, industry standards, and internal policies. Conduct compliance assessments and audits. Develop, review, and update policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure they align with governance and compliance requirements. Communicate policies effectively to employees. Establish and maintain relationships with regulatory bodies and industry associations. Represent the organization during regulatory inquiries and inspections. Present regular reports to the board of directors and senior management on GRC matters, including risk assessments, compliance status, and areas requiring attention. Align GRC efforts with the organization's strategic plans, and ensure that governance, risk management, and compliance activities support business objectives. Foster open and effective communication with stakeholders, ensuring that they are well-informed about GRC initiatives, risks, and compliance status. Oversee internal and external audits, assessments, and evaluations to evaluate the organization's adherence to compliance and risk management standards. Develop and deliver training programs and awareness campaigns to educate employees and stakeholders on GRC best practices and compliance requirements. Drive a culture of continuous improvement in GRC processes, ensuring that they evolve to address emerging risks and changing regulations. Ensure that the organization conducts its activities in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and adheres to ethical standards.

Kampala, Uganda

As a seasoned Managing Director and Compliance Specialist, I have undertaken a dynamic role that bridges strategic leadership with an in-depth understanding of compliance practices and regulatory frameworks. Many years of experience, I have demonstrated a consistent commitment to enhancing organizational governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) strategies.Key Achievements:• As the Managing Director, I have provided visionary leadership, shaping organizational goals and directing company-wide initiatives to drive growth and success.• Established and Oversaw Compliance and Inspection activities in various countriesin African Region i.e., Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, South Africa, DR Congo, Angola, SierraLeone, Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.• Ensured compliance, transparency, impartiality, authenticity of the facts and timely delivery of thefinal reports to HQ/clients.• Ensured organizational adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, overseeing compliance assessments and audits. Expertise in guiding organizations through complex regulatory landscapes• Authorized use of teams and materials for specific departments and projects.• Dealing with government departments• Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and developed risk management strategies to identify and minimize vulnerabilities across financial, operational, strategic, and compliance domains.As a Managing Director and Compliance Specialist, I have leveraged my dual expertise in strategic leadership and GRC to guide organizations to success. My commitment to GRC excellence, coupled with a forward-thinking approach, has contributed to organizational resilience and sustainable growth in a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. I remain dedicated to shaping the future of compliance and governance while steering organizations toward higher standards of performance and integrity.

African Region

Managed Regional Offices/Operations in South Africa, Chad, Angola, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.• Assessed team proficiencies, identifying and targeting areas for improvement.• Upheld quality standards by monitoring and correcting work.• Established, assisted and oversaw the preparation/submission of the Tenders accurately.• Worked with promotional teams to develop new marketing strategies.• Participated in activities involved with organizational transformation and implementationand successfully monitored corporate restructurings.• Collaborated with communications team to create marketing communication plan toadvance business branding and sales.• Empowered staff members to contribute to continuous improvement, quality and growth of company.• Hired, coached and trained staff and monitored performance and offered mentoring to junior team members.• Mitigated regulatory risks by overseeing all compliance visits to ensure adherence to protocol.• Ensured compliance by auditing quality systems to promote optimal efficiency. Meeting with the Clients, presentation in regards to the needs of the clients for the projected sale• Collection of the POs and monitoring works orders are performed as per the signed terms and conditions of the clients• Played ambassadorial role in promoting the organization through partnerships, presentations and media interviews• Undertook liaison roles with embassies, local authorities and joint venture partners• Executed audits and evaluated operational performance• Recommendations led to performance cost and manpower improvement program• Appraised potential company acquisitions; some resulted in bids and purchases• Evaluated viability of major capital projects which were approved, performed andcompleted successfully• Prepared, participated and awarded in various Tenders related with LTA of UN, Governmentand Private.

Philippines, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda & South Africa

Worldwide Cargo Inspection Services / Quality and Quantity Certification• Supported, trained and motivated team members of and professionals in consistentlymeeting annual goals.• Enabled business expansion, revenue development and customer gains with successfulstrategic planning.• Devised marketing, sales and customer promotions to work alongside national plans.• Oversaw development of organization’s network and established relationships withcommunity stakeholders.• Surpassed company objectives by cooperating with staff and team members to share andactualize processes to accomplish established goals.• Reviewed quality control reports to monitor various quality assurance inspection activities.• Training and Implementation of HACCP & GMP standards during the projects assigned bythe World Food Program.• Training and Implementation of Codex standard during the projects assigned by the WorldFood Program.• Deployment of Inspectors, Assurance of accurate execution of the Inspection, Sampling,Tally, On Site Testing, Loading Supervision and Un-Loading Supervision at Final destination (where applicable) Jobs and assuring timely delivery of the final reports to clients in various countries i.e., Philippines, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda.• Analyzed and reported performance measurements to demonstrate compliance with ISO standards, ISTA Standards, SOPs and objectives.

Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka

• Used outstanding networking and negotiation skills to set up strategic partnerships forimproved business expansion.• Achieved customer acquisition and retention targets through targeted strategydevelopment and implementation.• Coached and mentored sales teams to deliver confident, assured face-to-face sellingacross various B2B and B2C events.• Created insightful customer intelligence reports, detailing focused strategy on targetclientele acquisition.• Liaised effectively between departments to ensure staff developed competent technicalproduct understanding.• Carried out regular profit and loss analysis, presenting successes and failures andimplementing improvement strategies.• Inspired and motivated sales teams to continually develop their skills and abilities, increasingprofit and performance potential.• Closely monitored competitor activity, remaining ahead of external trends to consistently meet customer needs.• Identified key growth opportunities through diligent customer data analysis and market trend evaluation.• Acquired new commercial accounts, focusing on long-term profit to maintain steady business growth.• Negotiated high-value contracts with clients and vendors, growing business opportunities across targeted territories.• Developed innovative marketing campaigns to drive substantial sales.• Maintained detailed record of sales activities and compared trends to identify underservedareas and opportunities for improvement.• Optimized sales methods to best acquire, develop, and retain customers.• Set budget and monitored expenses to run profitable department.• Selected, trained, and performance-managed staff to handle high workload with ambitioustargets.

Karāchi, Sindh, Pakistan

• Oversaw all corporate communications to streamline data and information sharing initiatives.• Managed and improved various procedures, including requirements, gaps analysis, training and development and new program roll-out.• Promoted professional skill development in employees through effective training, management and motivation.• Created sales strategies to promote advertising offerings and motivate larger deals.• Managed, mentored and developed team of managers.• Identified, developed and evaluated marketing strategies based on knowledge of company objectives and market trends.• Wrote creative and engaging briefs for internal and external agencies.• Crafted marketing plans based upon extensive research and prospects targeting.• Managing all regional offices by overseeing daily reporting.• Managing and development of new region, where services are not available and establishing a new company by liaison with lawyers, consultants and various Government entities involved• Established and handled operations in following Countries:• Sri Lanka• Afghanistan• Bangladesh• South Sudan• Sudan• Uganda• Iran• UAE• UN - Projects Handled during tenure of the Services:• UNFAO - United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization• UNWFP - United Nation World Food Program• UNICEF - United Nation Children Fund• UNHCR - United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees• UNRWA - United Nation Relief and Works Agency (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Philippines, South Sudan, Preparation and Participation - during tenure of the• Identified and solved complex strategy problems to drive organizational goals.• Ensured compliance by auditing quality systems to ensure optimal efficiency.• Developed and implemented clear policies and procedures covering various locations spread across all areas.• Managed diverse administrative, financial and documentation requirements.

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

• As a financial analyst have specialized in knowing the pulse psychology of the market (Commodity/FOREX) movement in different US exchanges• Exposure in Commodity research• Review of Global finance reports• Review and analysis of world Export-Import data• Work on consulting assignment for corporate clients• Develop the full range of expertise required for the fund management• Tapping the price fluctuation of various commodities for making high returns by using the right market, the right opportunity, and the right strategies• Analysis based on Fundamental and Technical analysis creates an opportunity to make money with an effective trading plan• Assist clients for their trading through preparation of information memoranda• Select right commodity based on:• Risk taking ability of the client and his expected return on investments• Volatility of the commodity/FOREX market• Market opportunities• Technical and Analytical study of the Market• Indicating Buying or Selling trends of the Market

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

• Employed excellent time-management skills to maximize task completion and reduce errors.• Maintained and built positive client relationships.• Assisted in developing advertising and marketing strategies across social media platforms.• Worked with team members to deliver effective customer service strategies.• Spearheaded special projects supporting profitable business direction.• Developed expertise and knowledge for consistent delivery of outstanding quality services.• Supported employee payroll processes by tracking attendance logs and expensemonitoring.• Collaborated with sales, service, finance and logistics departments to influence criticalbusiness growth outcomes.• Led cutting-edge marketing campaigns to achieve commercial goals and KPIs.• Supported senior leadership by continuously identifying opportunities for new marketingcampaigns.• Achieved profitability goals by developing and implementing all commercial activities.• Collaborated with marketing and communications teams on standardization, design and production of marketing materials.

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Sales, Distribution, And Marketing Operations, General

Bachelor Of Business Administration - Bba, Business Administration And Management, General

Associate'S Degree, Textile Sciences And Engineering