Principal Advisor, Senior Consultant and trusted expert in Governance, Risk and Compliance
Fiona McPheat is a seasoned Principal Advisor and Senior Consultant with over 30 years of experience in international corporate environments, IT startups, management consulting and academia. She specializes in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), with additional expertise in Technology, Security, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), AI Risk Management, and Change Management.
Fiona’s most recent engagement has spanned 12 impactful years at Telia Company, a leading telco in the Nordic and Baltic regions. She has held several roles during this time, starting when the company’s footprint extended across Eurasia, reporting to the Chief Security Officer and leading the global Business Continuity program. She helped the company navigate significant challenges, including corporate scandals and crises, by improving governance, risk, ethics and compliance frameworks. As Head of Strategy and Compliance at Group Security, she developed and implemented a Security Strategy that met DOJ expectations and GDPR requirements.
In the role of Senior Risk Officer and GRC lead, reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, Fiona has led a major digital and organizational transformation initiative to modernize GRC processes across the company. Her strategic leadership and collaborative teamwork helped Telia Company navigate complex challenges and create a safer, more ethical business environment for both employees and customers.
Areas of Expertise
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
- Technology and Security Risk Management
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risk Management
- AI Risk Management
- Change Management
Fiona has a strong track record of helping organizations overcome complex challenges, implement effective strategies, and enhance organizational resilience. She excels at designing practical GRC frameworks, driving digital transformations, and promoting continuous improvement.
Educational Background
Fiona holds a Master’s degree in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Auckland University, has completed doctoral studies in Computer Modelling at Chalmers University of Technology, and holds an International Diploma in Risk Management from Stockholm School of Economics. Her strong academic foundation complements her practical experience, providing a solid basis for her consulting work.
Guiding Principles
Fiona’s approach is driven by curiosity, adventure, and a commitment to service. She is passionate about helping people and organizations thrive in today’s increasingly complex and fractured world, leveraging her strategic vision, operational excellence, and ethical leadership.