Mary Ann Khalil

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT MARY ANN KHALIL

Hello, I\'m Mary Ann, though many know me as a risk assurance leader, let me share why I do what I do.Growing up in Los Angeles, shaped by the California can-do spirit and with belief that with the right approach, anything is possible. At USC, I studied Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship, curious how siloed theories connect in real life. For my thesis, I chose digitized patient records, well before healthcare tech became mainstream. It wasn’t just about technology, it was about solving a problem and making things work better.That same curiosity and problem-solving mindset shape my career, combining a people-oriented, collaborative approach with a drive to turn complex challenges into lasting impact.My Journey: My work has taken me from Los Angeles to engagements spanning North and South America, the UK, Switzerland, UAE and now between the UK and Kuwait. I’ve worked in global organizations, Big Four firms, led transformation in internal audit and bank-wide, led governance initiatives for listed companies, and founded Knowbility Consultancy. I’ve learned there’s no one-size-fits-all solution and cultural context matters.Why Knowbility: I started Knowbility out of frustration with cookie-cutter solutions that looked impressive but underperformed in practice. My goal was to reshape what good risk assurance looks like, anchored in value creation and trusted partnership. “Knowbility” stands for keeping clients in the know, acting with nobility, sharing knowledge, and proving our ability to deliver.What Drives Me: I’m driven by curiosity and the challenge of transformation, solving root causes, driving strategic change, and building cultures that value risk and accountability. My proudest moments are when leaders see audit as a partner and teams feel inspired to do things better.Where I Am Today: Based between the UK and Kuwait, I’m a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), and AI Governance Professional (AIGP). I serve as Board Trustee for The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, write IIA exam questions, moderate a global AI community, and chair Soroptimist Kuwait’s Finance Committee.Let\'s Connect: Whether you\'re wrestling with a governance challenge, transforming your risk function, or simply curious about how to approach a business problem you\'re facing, I\'d love to connect. Virtual coffee or in-person if you\'re in the UK or Kuwait.