RIYAZ VARIAVA

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Riyaz Variava brings over twenty years of experience in financial leadership within the professional services sector to his role as Finance Director at OBMI. He is known for his disciplined and thoughtful approach to financial management, supporting business growth through strong governance and a deep understanding of how finance enables performance across complex organisations. He believes the best outcomes come from understanding the challenge, sharing ideas openly, and building trust within the team.

Throughout his career, Riyaz has held senior finance roles within international design and consulting practices. Most recently he served as Regional Finance Manager for Europe at Woods Bagot, where he played a key role in supporting the firm’s strategic growth across the region. His experience includes business planning, financial modelling, forecasting, and performance analysis, and he is particularly strong at partnering closely with leadership teams to guide decision-making and improve profitability.

Earlier in his career, Riyaz held finance leadership roles at Grimshaw, where he supported the expansion of the firm’s international operations, including in Australia and the Middle East. He has led the implementation of financial systems across global teams, developed reporting frameworks that improved clarity and efficiency, and managed the financial performance of large-scale, multi-year projects. A qualified Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA), he brings technical expertise and a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to his work.

Riyaz is a keen sportsman who plays football and tennis regularly. He is part of a local tennis club and enjoys competing in tournaments throughout the year. He also loves to travel and explore new cultures, with a particular interest in the ways history has shaped the modern world.