Aravind Sarma
Seasoned Business Continuity and Risk Management Professional
About
Seasoned Business Continuity and Risk Management Professional with over 12 years of experience, including 9 years in Business Continuity Management (BCM). Proficient in ISO 22301, Crisis Management, IT Disaster Recovery and conducting audits in line with ISO standards. Known for driving operational resilience and delivering critical assessments across diverse sectors including healthcare, finance, and public institutions.
Experience
Lead, Business Continuity - BuzzClan
(2025-06 - 2025-12)
- Orchestrated end-to-end BCMS implementation for one the largest FMCG company, ensuring seamless business continuity.
- Conducted business impact analysis (BIA) and risk assessment (RA) to identify critical processes, risks and recovery priorities.
- Developed and implemented recovery strategies aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Led business continuity training sessions to enhance awareness and preparedness across stakeholders.
- Planned and executed BCP testing and exercises to validate recovery capabilities and identify gaps.
- Continuously improved the BCMS by incorporating test results, lessons learned, and corrective actions.
Freelance Consultant - Freelancer
(2025-05 - 2025-06)
- Developing course materials, delivering high-quality training sessions, and preparing students for interviews for cybersecurity, business continuity, GRC and IT Audit
- Facilitating engaging learning experiences, providing guidance in IT Audit, IT controls, information security, and other relevant areas.
Assistant Manager - KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP
(2021-10 - 2024-06)
- Led BCMS reviews and BCP/IT DR planning for a major Indian healthcare company.
- Conducted ISO 22301 internal audits for a leading accounting firm.
- Delivered IT general controls audits, reviewing database backup, access control, and change management.
- Performed GRCP audits for government agencies, ensuring regulatory and security compliance.
- Led cyber maturity assessments for a housing finance company.
- Orchestrated end-to-end BCMS implementation for the largest container terminal in Philippines, ensuring seamless business continuity.
- Conducted comprehensive review of the existing business continuity framework, performed BCMS gap assessment, and executed business impact analysis for one of the largest automobile manufacturing companies in India.
- Developed tailored proposals for clients across diverse industries for business continuity, information security, crisis management etc., aligning solutions with specific business needs and objectives.
Senior Business Continuity Analyst - Cognizant
(2016-06 - 2021-10)
- Executed BCP/IT DR tests, reviewed policies, and supported 24/7 BC operations.
- Delivered BIA & risk assessments and conducted resilience training sessions.
- Collaborated with business units to refine contingency and recovery plans.
- Conducted periodic review and audit of business continuity plans and policies to maintain alignment with best practices.
- Assisted in the development, review, and administration of BCP policies and procedures to enhance organizational preparedness.
Junior Executive - Alamy Images
(2014-07 - 2016-06)
- Managed client receivables, invoice generation, and SLA-based reporting.
- Prepared MIS reports and supported operations in the stock photography domain.
Process Associate – Trade Finance - Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)
(2013-01 - 2014-07)
- Processed trade documents, managed workflow, and created MIS reports.
- Gained deep knowledge of trade finance, UCP, and ISBP regulations.
Project Trainee - Larsen & Toubro Limited
(2012-04 - 2012-05)
- Conducted a study on performance appraisal systems and proposed enhancements.
Education
MBA/PGDM - Kerala University (2012)
Bachelor of Business Management - Amrita School of Arts and Sciences (2010)
12th - English Medium - Kerala State Board (2006)
10th - English Medium - Kerala State Board (2004)
