KARUNA LUTHER

NAVIGATING CORPORATE HEIGHTS

Karuna Luthar, a native of New Delhi, is not just a Chartered Accountant and Social Auditor; she is a seasoned professional with a fervour for environmental protection and journalism. Her remarkable journey in the corporate world has been nothing short of inspiring. A graduate in Economics, she engages in conducting social audits and impact assessments for non-profit organisations. Ms. Luthar has been the Regional Head, Middle East of Social Audit Network for the past six years.

Commencing her career with A F Ferguson & Co., New Delhi (earlier associated with KPMG and now part of Deloitte in India) in 1989, Karuna worked on diverse projects before joining KPMG in the UAE. There, she served as a Senior Consultant, contributing to financial and operational projects until 1995.
In 1997, she ventured into HSBC Bank Middle East. Her position entailed responsibility for achieving highest customer satisfaction with branches, call centre and back office while delivering operational excellence. Initially joining HSBC Mefco, the erstwhile leasing arm, she went on to manage the Corporate Customer Services for the Commercial Banking Division of the Bank in UAE.

From 2010 onwards, Ms. Luthar chose to actively engage in voluntary work while balancing her professional responsibilities within corporate environments. Being entrusted with key roles in various non-profit organizations stands testament to her impactful contributions and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the community.

She has served as a Director at India Club Dubai for two terms and is a long-serving Trustee at Operations Eyesight Universal (India office) since 2012. She is a past Executive Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Dubai Chapter, an assessor for Dubai Quality Awards and MRM Awards and a volunteer at Bankers Without Borders, Grameen Foundation. In these roles, she focuses on serving the key objectives of the organization while helping to strengthen processes.

Concurrently, she served as the Executive Officer for EACIIT Ltd, a US-based software company that helps improve cash efficiency through real-time integrated information and automated processes. She also held a position as Special Executive Officer at a boutique bank in Dubai International Finance Centre.

As a Director on the Board of India Club, Ms. Luthar established the Club's Youth Leadership Forum. Through interactive and lively discussions, these young leaders adopted plants, visited facilities, and implemented a collaborative programme on the impact of improving soil health and the 3Rs of reduce, recycle, reuse. The Green Earth Expo held by the YLF on 25 November 23 served to emphasize the message of UAE’s COP28 agenda and was a resounding success. Audiences were engaged and informed through activities that included quizzes, videos, a basketball challenge game, a sustainable fashion show and prizes made by the young participants from recycled materials.

At Operation Eyesight Universal, Mrs. Luthar is actively involved in spreading awareness, Governance and Fund-raising of the organization with overseas donors. Her hashtag, #CelebrateYourWay, aims to commemorate special occasions by contributing to a cause that resonates within the donor, such as saving the eyesight of a particular age group or community.

She is also a volunteer at Isha Foundation, helping to spread information about methods to enhance mental well-being.

Ms. Luthar is also a Speaker on Environment Social Governance practices and a past Executive Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Dubai Chapter. She is also a member of India International Centre, Delhi.

After an illustrious career in the corporate sector, Ms. Luthar is today the Regional Head, Middle East, Social Audit Network Limited, with whom she has been associated since January 2017. She is a Trainer and Impact Assessor on evaluating Developmental Projects and Business Excellence, with multiple projects conducted in India and the UAE. She is a speaker and writer for increasing awareness on Sustainability and the ESG framework.
In her current position, Karuna continues to make a significant impact. Her dedication to social causes, paired with her corporate prowess, exemplifies a professional journey guided by passion and purpose.

Her husband, R Mohan Kumar, is a Director at a global water-solutions company and the couple has two sons. The elder son, Varun Mohan Kumar is a Masters in Astro Physics and in Mathematics and conducting research in Germany for various government organizations. The younger son, Vishal Kumar, is a Masters in Law and in Climate Change Finance & Investment and engages in research for Climate Change Impact in the United Kingdom.

Contact:

Mobile: 0506567414
Email: karuna.luthar@icai.org

Present Address:

77a Street 6c

Al Safa 1

Dubai, UAE.