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Varun Gupta

@varungupta6

Group Head of Risk & Internal Audit at Mazrui International Group who built its group-wide audit function and prevented USD 2M in fraud losses.

United Arab Emirates

Message

At Mazrui International Group, I built and scaled the Group Internal Audit function from inception, establishing its methodology, team structure, charter, and Board-approved audit plan across 25+ group companies.

I advise the Group Chairman and Board on governance gaps, control failures, and operational risks. My work identified AED 14.7M in cost optimisation opportunities and helped recover or prevent USD 2M in fraud losses.

I designed the group-wide governance framework and risk register, and implemented ACL-based audit automation and data analytics that increased audit coverage by 35%. I also directed turnaround reviews that returned three entities to profitability.

Earlier, at Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton, I worked on external and statutory audits for major regional and multinational clients across the GCC, MENA, and India. I hold FCA and CWA qualifications, along with an M. Com from the University of Delhi.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Group Head of Risk & Internal Audit

Current

Mazrui International Group

Jun 2013 - Present (13 years 3 months)

Designed, built, and scaled the Group Internal Audit function from inception, establishing audit methodology, team structure, and Board-approved annual audit plan across 25+ group companies and 20+ countries. Advised the Group Chairman and CEO on governance gaps, control failures, and operational risks, delivering AED 14.7M in cost savings and USD 2M in fraud prevention.

Internal Audit Enterprise Risk Management Corporate Governance Fraud Investigation Cost Optimization Regulatory Compliance ACLs Data Analysis Oracle Financials SAP Hyperion Microsoft Office

Assistant Assurance Manager

Ernst & Young

Oct 2007 - Jun 2013 (5 years 8 months)

Led and managed external audit and assurance engagements for major regional and multinational clients across the GCC & MENA region, including complex group audits for Al-Futtaim Group, Dubai World, BP Middle East, GE Middle East, and Abela Group under IFRS. Mentored and supervised a team of 8–12 audit professionals per engagement cycle, delivering all major engagements within budget and timelines.

External Audits IFRS Group Audits Team Leadership Customer Relationship Management Audit Methodology

Assurance Audit Executive

Grant Thornton

Apr 2004 - Sep 2007 (3 years 5 months)

Delivered statutory and external audit assignments for listed entities in high-growth sectors including Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Hospitality across India. Performed statutory audits of listed entities including DLF Limited, Ranbaxy Laboratories, and Hindustan Sanitaryware, and engaged in IPO advisory for DLF Limited.

Statutory Audits External Audits IPO Advisory Real Estate Accounting Manufacturing Cost Structures Hospitality Operations