Kaisila Ponnen
Moka
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented Legal & Compliance Manager with over nine years of progressive experience in regulatory compliance, labor law, and corporate governance. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, navigate complex legal frameworks, and advise multinational organizations on employment and compliance strategies. Recognized for translating legal insights into practical business solutions, fostering ethical culture, and driving policy innovation.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Compliance Manager – Labor & Employment
PWC UK
London
01.2020 - 01.2025
- Directed the labor & employment legal division, advising global clients on complex HR compliance and dispute resolution.
- Spearheaded multinational restructuring and redundancy programs ensuring full legal conformity across jurisdictions.
- Developed strategic labor policies, DEI frameworks, and workforce governance models for global entities.
- Partnered with executive leadership and HR to implement proactive risk mitigation and ethical conduct programs.
- Developed compliance policies aligning with industry regulations and best practices.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify compliance gaps and recommend solutions.
- Led training sessions to educate staff on compliance requirements and procedures.
- Reviewed internal controls to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline compliance processes effectively.
- Monitored changes in legislation impacting organizational compliance efforts.
- Prepared detailed reports on compliance status for senior management review.
- Established a comprehensive audit program to evaluate compliance effectiveness regularly.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and best practices.
- Maintained detailed records of all compliance related activities.
- Provided guidance on complex regulatory issues to senior management and other departments.
- Lead disciplinary committees and advise for disciplinary matters
- Dealt with Trade Unions and provided guidance to management
- Represented company at Ministry of labor and authorities
- Drafted and provided salary benchmarks according to RO’s
- Assisting and guiding health and safety officers in accordance to applied laws
Compliance Officer
ICAC Mauritius
Mauritius
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Designed and executed compliance programs aligned with anti-corruption standards and good governance.
- Conducted high-level risk audits, investigative reviews, and ethics training across public and private sectors.
- Investigated potential violations of applicable rules and regulations.
- Conducted reviews to foster ongoing compliance with federal and local regulations.
- Prepared training materials related to regulatory changes or new policies and procedures.
- Drafted reports summarizing findings from audit reviews and investigations.
- Reviewed contracts, agreements, documents, and other materials for legal accuracy and completeness.
- Established working relationships with regulatory agencies.
- Provided support in responding to inquiries from government agencies.
- Monitored compliance risk controls to identify deviations and offer recommendations.
- Reported any identified discrepancies or irregularities to senior management.
- Analyzed data from multiple sources to systematically document work and results.
- Reviewed contracts for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Played a key role in drafting national integrity policies, enhancing transparency and accountability frameworks.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and legal bodies to strengthen compliance culture and public trust.
Education
Ph.D. -
University of Leeds
Leeds, UK 01.2025 - 11.2025
Juris Doctor
Columbia University
01.2023 - 08.2025
MBA -
Open University of Mauritius
Mauritius, Mauritius 01.2021 - 01.2024
BPTC - BPTC
University of The West of England (UWE)
08.2020 - 12.2021
LLB -
Middlesex University
BSc Management - Law
Open University of Mauritius
HSC -
Queen Elizabeth College
SC -
Skills
- Employment & Labor Law
- Corporate Compliance
- Legal Risk Management
- Policy Development
- Investigations & Due Diligence
- Strategic Advisory
- Leadership & Training
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
French
Proficient
C2
LANGUAGES
English – Fluent, French – Fluent, Creole – Native
Timeline
Ph.D. -
University of Leeds
01.2025 - 11.2025
Juris Doctor
Columbia University
01.2023 - 08.2025
MBA -
Open University of Mauritius
01.2021 - 01.2024
BPTC - BPTC
University of The West of England (UWE)
08.2020 - 12.2021
Compliance Manager – Labor & Employment
PWC UK
01.2020 - 01.2025
Compliance Officer
ICAC Mauritius
01.2016 - 01.2020
LLB -
Middlesex University
BSc Management - Law
Open University of Mauritius
HSC -
Queen Elizabeth College