Sameh Abdelraheem

Internal Audit & GRC Executive with 18+ years of experience establishing, leading, and transforming risk-based assurance and governance functions across diversified, multi-entity, and multinational organizations.

Former Chief Audit

Executive and Group Head of Internal Audit with a track record of building Internal Audit functions from the ground up, leading teams of up to eight auditors, and advising Boards, Audit Committees, and Executive Management. Current GCC advisory experience spans governance, enterprise risk management, Internal Audit transformation, IPO readiness, Delegation of Authority, Risk Appetite, KRIs, internal controls, regulatory compliance, fraud-related reviews, and operational performance improvement across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and wider international markets.

Senior Manager - Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) at SimplyFI Consulting W.L.L. (2026-06 – Present)

GCC advisory firm specializing in governance, risk management, Internal Audit, IPO readiness, regulatory compliance, and business transformation.

• Lead GRC and Internal Audit advisory engagements across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, working directly with Board members, Executive Management, and senior stakeholders.
• Design governance frameworks, Board and committee structures, Delegation of Authority frameworks, and governance operating models tailored to client requirements.
• Support IPO readiness through governance enhancement, internal control assessments, and regulatory alignment; develop Risk Appetite Frameworks, KRIs, risk registers, and ERM programs.
• Lead Internal Audit transformation initiatives covering Audit Universe development, risk-based planning, methodologies, and assurance frameworks.

Chief Audit Executive at Fresh Energy Group (2025-07 – 2026-06)

Agri-business and export group with multi-site international operations.

• Established the Group's first Internal Audit function across Egypt, Hungary, and the Netherlands, leading a four-member audit team.
• Built the Audit Charter, Internal Audit Manual, SOPs, Audit Universe, and the Group's first risk-based Internal Audit plan.
• Conducted enterprise-wide risk assessments covering operational, supply chain, ESG, financial, and compliance risks across international operations.
• Advised Executive Management on governance, control design, process optimization, and risk response.

Chief Audit Executive / Group Head of Internal Audit at Sky Holding (2020-02 – 2025-01)

Diversified investment group operating across finance, leasing, insurance brokerage, marketing, shared services, automotive retail, and vehicle rental.

• Built and led the Internal Audit function across eight subsidiaries, managing an eight-member audit team and establishing the function's governance, methodology, and reporting foundation.
• Developed the Audit Charter, Internal Audit Manual, SOPs, Audit Universe, and risk-based plans covering operational, financial, governance, compliance, and control risks.
• Improved audit efficiency by 30% through methodology transformation, process optimization, and team capability development.
• Reported to Board-level committees and provided risk-focused assurance and advisory support to Executive Management across group entities.
• Drove internal control enhancement and operational improvement initiatives across diversified business sectors.

Group Internal Audit Manager at Abudawood Group (2014-07 – 2020-02)

Regional FMCG distribution group operating across multiple countries and markets. Promoted from Group Internal Auditor.

• Led cross-border audit engagements across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Iraq, and Yemen, covering operational, financial, compliance, regulatory, and fraud-related risks.
• Designed risk-based audit programs aligned with regional operating models and market-specific risk profiles.
• Improved audit effectiveness by 25% through enhanced methodologies, performance management, and disciplined engagement execution.
• Increased auditee cooperation by 20% through awareness sessions, stakeholder alignment, and stronger relationship management.
• Delivered strategic recommendations supporting operational efficiency, control enhancement, and risk mitigation across regional operations.

Group Senior Internal Auditor at Universal Group (2011-08 – 2014-06)

Manufacturing and consumer products group operating across multiple business sectors.

• Conducted operational and financial audits focused on control effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, and business-process improvement.
• Developed audit programs and working papers, evaluated controls across operational and support functions, and delivered actionable recommendations.
• Supported the establishment and development of the Internal Audit function and strengthened audit planning and execution practices.

Assistant Auditor / Junior Auditor at KPMG (2008-04 – 2011-07)

Member firm of KPMG International providing audit, tax, and advisory services.

• Conducted external audits for multinational and local clients, including financial statement audits, consolidations, substantive testing, and control assessments.
• Identified and documented audit risks, findings, and recommendations in accordance with professional standards and KPMG methodology.
• Supported audit planning, execution, reporting, client coordination, and complete engagement documentation.

Junior Auditor at Salama ElSaadany (2007-08 – 2008-03)

• Supported financial audit engagements, audit testing, working-paper preparation, and reporting activities.

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting – Zagazig University (2007)