Mark Abbey

Africa Controls, Compliance and Ethics Director @Diageo

Managing and setting the Controls, Compliance and Risk strategy for the Africa region. Taking the region to a high standard to meet the risk of emerging markets.Using shared services to meet strict regulatory guidelines and international compliance requirements. Implementing standards and polices to protect the business, governance frameworks to monitor and correct, and ensure all staff, contractors and 3rd parties have the knowledge and skills to complete their role in a controlled and compliant way. Create an environment that allows concerns to be raised and managed, and leaders who own and recognise the importance of the agenda to meet their performance ambitions.Develop and implement regional training programmes to understand cultural and behavioral differences for every employee and 3rd party, and discuss conflicts and manage dilemma\'s. This helps the embedment of compliance and setting a controlled environment. Pride in what and how we do things in every market joins us together as a region.I have developed and led senior leader training to the top 60 leaders across Africa, providing insight to the role they need to own for controls, compliance and Risk Management. Displaying the right behaviors and setting the right tone whist installing the required governance structures is key to their success. Create fully staffed market teams with trained professionals to support the markets demands, and provide oversight and guidance to fully deliver their objectives. Create succession plans and talent management programmes to support their development.Implement and chair Africa Regional Risk Management Committees to provide insightful reporting for senior exec. Recognising regional and market risks and ensuring mitigations are adequate. Ensure controls are tested and actions completed to timelines. Audit reports are reviewed and raised issues addressed. Compliance breaches are investigated, reported and appropriate actions have been taken.