Veluvarthi Venkat Ram Manisha

I am a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Specialist with over eight years of experience helping organizations strengthen their risk posture, comply with evolving regulations, and build resilient operational frameworks. With a strong foundation in Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), fraud prevention, and information security governance, I bring a holistic understanding of enterprise risk and regulatory compliance. My career spans both Indian and South African markets, giving me a unique perspective on regional frameworks, industry best practices, and global standards.

My professional journey includes impactful roles at leading multinational organizations such as Novartis, where I was responsible for conducting comprehensive third-party risk assessments. This involved evaluating cybersecurity, data privacy, financial stability, and compliance risks across vendors and partners globally. I have implemented ISO 27001-based information security frameworks, participated in internal and external audits, and collaborated closely with cross-functional teams such as Legal, Procurement, and IT Security.

I hold an MBA in International Business from the University of Wales, Newport, UK, and a B.Tech in Electronics and Instrumentation. My certifications include ISO 27001:2013 Lead Implementer, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), reflecting my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in risk and compliance.

My core strengths lie in policy development, risk identification and mitigation, audit readiness, and stakeholder communication. I excel at building governance structures that align risk appetite with business objectives while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as GDPR, POPIA, and other industry-specific mandates. I also have experience working with GRC tools and platforms, contributing to automation and efficiency in compliance reporting.

As a professional, I am detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive. I enjoy working in fast-paced, collaborative environments where I can apply my expertise to solve complex challenges and enhance enterprise-wide risk visibility. I am particularly passionate about creating frameworks that not only manage risk but also add strategic value to the organization.

Currently based in South Africa, I am open to global opportunities where I can contribute to shaping risk-aware, compliant, and ethically sound organizations. My goal is to continue growing as a GRC leader and to support businesses in navigating uncertainty with integrity and confidence.