Anuj Arora
Governance Professional
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Global Governance professional with proven record of streamlining governance processes and leading high-performing teams. Lead high performing teams by allowing team members to deliver best outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
24
24
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Manager, Company Secretary
Lunate Capital Limited
Abu Dhabi
05.2023 - Current
- Key team member in setting up Company Secretarial function for Lunate Investment Fund, part of Royal Group, Abu Dhabi;
- Setting up robust governance practices across the Group for 3 Investment Managers: Lunate Capital Limited, Alterra Management Limited (Climate focused) and Axight Capital Limited;
- Digitizing Board Practices by using online Board portals;
- setting up of LP and GPs and managing Board & Committees for Investment Managers and Holding Company; and
- Managing ADGM filings and company law related compliances for the Group
Sr. Manager, Company Secretary
NAVI FINSERV
Bengaluru
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Lead Company Secretarial function of Navi Finserv Limited;
- Senior most Company Secretary in the Group (responsible for Non-Banking Finance Company), assisting teams managing mutual funds, insurance business;
- Setting robust governance practices across the Group;
- Managing compliance of high value debt listed entity and raising funds from primary market; and
- Incorporated companies in United States of America
Deputy Vice President, Company Secretary
Aviva Life Insurance
Gurugram
05.2019 - 08.2022
- Managing expectations of UK shareholder from Group governance standpoint;
- Leading risk management framework for Legal and Cosec function;
- Corporate records maintenance on Diligent, Blueprint;
- Strategizing and executing key restructuring program and strategic initiatives such as capital infusion, sale of equity;
- Managing Board Meetings, Risk Management, Audit, Investment, CSR, Nomination and Remuneration Committee meetings and Shareholders meetings
- Leading discussions with Directors including Independent Directors;
- Advising on corporate governance issues such as composition of Board, related party transactions, etc;
- Set up strong framework to review all related party transactions;
- Managed corporate law compliances for IRDAI Regulated entity;
- Lead contract drafting, negotiations and advisory, framing and reviewing policies;
- Key contracts - IT Outsourcing, Key IT project implementation, policy documents, commercial leases, shifting of head office;
- Contributed in strategic and key litigations;
- Impact analysis on regulatory changes and advising relevant functions of necessary actions; and
- Advisory on policy framing
Manager, Company Secretary
Fidelity International
Gurugram
04.2017 - 05.2019
- Established limited liability partnership in UK and US business for setting up data centre in India;
- Developed RACI (Responsible Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix for Global Cosec function;
- Supported entities in United Kingdom, Bermuda, Luxembourg and Asia Pacific region;
- Well versed with software like Blueprint and GEMS;
- Extended legal advice, support, opinions in regard to various corporate governance matters;
- Execution of corporate strategic projects like buy-back, payment of dividend;
- Provided the Management and Board Committees with high quality legal and related advice/analysis; and
- Managed corporate law compliance for Indian entities including RBI compliance for infusion and repatriation
Sr. Analyst Company Secretary
Royal Bank of Scotland (now known as NATWEST)
Gurugram
12.2011 - 04.2017
- Participated in setting up branch office in United Kingdom to drive profitability for the stream and managing its compliance;
- Participated in group set up for driving cost optimization;
- Developed framework for compliance with UK Bribery Act, 2010 for Indian entities;
- Managing Group secretariat expectations from governance standpoint;
- ensured compliance with financial & legal practices and maintaining corporate governance standards;
- Established robust framework for directors to ensure compliance with all applicable laws; principal compliance officer model set up;
- Participated in decision making and structuring amalgamation;
- Played instrumental role in amalgamation, shifting of registered office, change of name, buy-back, setting up of branch in United Kingdom, establishment and roll out of policies and procedures;
- Advised members of the legal, governance, accounting and tax implications of proposed policies; monitoring changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and taking appropriate action; and
- Contract drafting, negotiations and advisory, framing and reviewing policies;
- Key contracts - Vendor contracts, commercial leases, shifting of head office; and
- Developed training modules for senior management in regard to changes brought by regulatory regime
Education
Chartered Secretary (UK) - Corporate Governance
Chartered Governance Institute of UK & Ireland
United Kingdom 04.2001 - 01.2021
Company Secretary (India) -
Institute of Company Secretaries of India
New Delhi 01.2007 - 01.2011
Skills
Team leadership
Strategic planning
Decision-making
Effective Processes
Certification
Certification in UK Anti Bribery compliance.
Accomplishments
- Awarded as Modern Governance 100 Recipient award across the globe amongst Governance, Risk and Compliance professional across the globe in Digital Transformation Innovation category.
- Awarded for Rising Star in 2016 for exemplary display of RBS values to make amalgamation a success, which brought RBS Group together as truly global hub in India.
- Nominated for living RBS values of 'Working Together' and 'Doing the Right Thing'.
Timeline
Manager, Company Secretary
Lunate Capital Limited
05.2023 - Current
Sr. Manager, Company Secretary
NAVI FINSERV
09.2022 - 04.2023
Deputy Vice President, Company Secretary
Aviva Life Insurance
05.2019 - 08.2022
Manager, Company Secretary
Fidelity International
04.2017 - 05.2019
Sr. Analyst Company Secretary
Royal Bank of Scotland (now known as NATWEST)
12.2011 - 04.2017
Company Secretary (India) -
Institute of Company Secretaries of India
01.2007 - 01.2011
Chartered Secretary (UK) - Corporate Governance
Chartered Governance Institute of UK & Ireland
04.2001 - 01.2021