Risk management expect Kovini Moodley wins prestigious IRMSA award

Respected risk management specialist, Kovini Moodley, has been named Risk Manager of the Year, 2024, at the prestigious annual Risk Awards Gala Dinner held by the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) in Gallagher Estate recently. This award, recognizes Moodley’s exceptional contributions to the field and her unwavering commitment to advancing risk management practices.

With a distinguished career spanning over 17 years, Moodley has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of risk management principles and a proven ability to implement effective strategies. Her expertise have been instrumental in guiding organizations through complex challenges and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

“I am truly humbled to receive this award,” said Moodley. “It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of my team, my love for Risk Management as well as the support I have received from my colleagues and mentors throughout my career.”

ALSO READ: Kovini Moodley a catalyst for African women empowerment

The Institute of Risk Management South Africa annually celebrates outstanding accomplishments within the risk management community. Through IRMSA Awards, they highlight the exceptional work done by members who consistently excel in their roles and contribute to advancing risk management practices across the county.

Moodley’s corporate career has been an incredible journey of skills enhancement, personal growth, brand building, and numerous life lessons. Her career has expanded over the years as she completed her articles with Deloitte in Durban, thereafter venturing into the world of Management Consulting with Accenture South Africa, and more recently completing over a decade at Discovery Health, half of which was in the role of Head of Risk and Strategic Audit Transformation.

Moodley’s journey in risk management has been marked by significant accomplishments, including:

• Completing her articles at Deloitte South Africa which set the foundation for her technical expertise in Audit & Risk Management.
• Consulting for numerous JSE-listed companies and delivering process improvement results, strategies to drive organizational design alignment, implementation of centers of excellence models (COEs), and executing financial and regulatory compliance assessment initiatives for key regulatory bodies.
• Leading the end-to-end Risk Management and Strategic Audit Transformation at Discovery Health.
• Championing the implementation of best practice methodologies aligned with ISO 31000, the Ethics Handbook and King IV.

Reflecting on the award, Moodley affirmed that this award was not just for her, but was also a tribute to all her fellow risk professionals who may often encounter resistance and challenges in trying to drive the Risk mandate towards alignment with fair and accurate reporting. “Our stakeholders rely on our ability to reflect information accurately and often make critical decisions based on such reporting. It is therefore imperative that organisations create and embrace healthy risk cultures which allow for fair and unhindered reporting without threat or intimidation.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Moodley is a passionate advocate for social justice and gender equality. She is committed to creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces for all, and her work in this area has had a profound impact on her community and mentees. She notes that there is still room for transformative change with respect of pay parity, and adherence to labour law practices and that transparent and progressive conversations are key success factors towards driving accountability in the long term.

Moodley encourages professionals to own and share their lived experiences, believing that one’s unique story paves the way for those who come after.” I believe in sharing our stories, owning our narratives, and more importantly detailing how we were able to turn pain into power to succeed. It is important to note that growth is not always linear and that every single experience, the good, bad and ugly shapes us towards our highest purpose on earth, she added.

As Moodley looks to the future, she is eager to continue making a difference in the field of Risk management. She is actively seeking new opportunities in order to leverage her wealth of expertise and contribute her skills and knowledge towards the growth and development of organizations.

 “I have taken a much-needed break and am ready to explore professional opportunities that align with my technical skillset, integral values and growth in the Risk Management Space”. As a proudly South African citizen, I am keen to lend my skills towards opportunities that support and foster a sustainable, equitable South Africa, expresses Moodley.

About Founder:

Kovini Moodley is a multifaceted woman and is a practicing Chartered Accountant, and Women Empowerment Activist. Her passion has always been to impact causes bigger than herself and lend her voice on matters of social impact. She is passionate about authenticity and leveraging one`s unique strengths to live the best version of your life.