Viraf is a qualified Chartered Accountant (FCA- Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) with degrees in commerce and law. He was partner with Ratan S Mama & Co, Mumbai (affiliated with Pannell Kerr Forster - 11th largest in UK and 15th largest worldwide) before moving to Bahrain to join PWC as Audit Manager/Senior Consultant. Later joined leading FMCG and supermarket operator in Bahrain – Al Jazira Group - one of the first in GCC to launch computerised point of sale scanning in 1992. Signed Franchise with Woolworths South Africa and set up their first store in Bahrain and GCC. Joined Landmark Group Bahrain and managed territory as GM for 8 years. In UAE he was GM/COO, Homes r Us (Lals Group) where he led expansion to 15 stores in 4 countries, took the brand to #2 position and won Superbrands award for the company twice. His last posting was as Group GM/COO in FMCG/ Supermarket major Fathima Group. Visited Portugal / Germany to review operations of Continente brand and signed franchise to set up business in UAE. Opened 6 high-end branded fashion stores from Madura Fashion (part of $45B Aditya Birla Group) and opened Manhattan Fish Market (speciality casual dining restaurant). Took care of strategic planning, gave leadership to a team of managers, guided and improved HR practices, launched new brands for trading, planned/opened new stores and revamped existing stores. Created stronger corporate framework/internal controls by appointing 10 CAs, strengthened internal audit and introduced/ implemented SAP. Carried out a comprehensive stake sale to a leading Abu Dhabi investment house and spearheaded negotiations, big-4 financial due diligence, legal due diligence, documentation, and corporate governance.