Isabel Strassburger
United Arab Emirates
Summary
Senior tax professional with 18+ years of global experience advising executive teams in regions including UAE, Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Specializes in crafting OECD-compliant tax strategies, managing cross-border structuring, and executing corporate tax transformations for multinational corporations. Renowned for fostering client relationships, driving business growth, and delivering solutions that optimize tax rates and enhance governance. Expertise spans energy, banking, real estate, aviation, agriculture, and family-owned enterprises.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
Group Head of Tax
Wusoom Group
Abu Dhabi, UAE
01.2025 - Current
- Led end-to-end implementation of UAE Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing, building group’s tax function, governance framework, and compliance architecture from ground up in line with Board and C-suite strategy.
- Delivered AED 23.7M in tax savings through strategic structuring, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency; achieved 100% compliance with zero penalties and full audit readiness.
- Ensured full adherence to UAE Corporate Tax legislation and OECD-aligned Transfer Pricing, BEPS, and documentation standards, embedding global best practices across group.
- Advised Board, Group CEO, and Group CFO on tax strategy, regulatory impacts, and business restructuring, shaping decisions across investments, capital allocation, and M&A.
- Strengthened financial performance through ETR optimization and forward-looking tax planning, enhancing cash flow and long-term efficiency.
- Implemented IFRS-aligned tax accounting, reporting, and control frameworks to elevate transparency, accuracy, and governance across all reporting lines.
- Directed tax due diligence for strategic acquisitions, providing technical insights, risk analysis, and post-deal integration guidance to safeguard and enhance shareholder value.
Tax Director
Grant Thornton UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE
11.2023 - 01.2025
- Drove revenue growth by converting client needs into advisory engagements.
- Built pipeline of clients from inception, fostering long-term relationships.
- Supported expansion into Abu Dhabi market and established key stakeholder connections.
- Managed strategic client accounts, positioning firm as trusted advisor on UAE Corporate Tax matters.
- Delivered Corporate Tax impact assessments across sectors, identifying risk areas and optimisation strategies.
- Designed tax-efficient structures to facilitate business growth and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Provided structuring guidance and integration planning to support transactions.
- Collaborated with audit, deals, and advisory teams to enhance integrated solutions.
Tax Director
PwC Middle East
Kuwait, Kuwait
09.2017 - 10.2023
- Led international tax practice for Kuwait and Egypt markets, delivering strategic advisory projects and strengthening firm’s regional presence.
- Delivered USD 1.5M in annual director-level revenue, driven by multinational client wins, recurring mandates, and integrated cross-service projects.
- Led tax structuring initiatives aligned with commercial objectives and OECD requirements, minimising global tax leakage and supporting cross-border expansion.
- Managed complex tax structuring for Kuwait’s National Oil Company across more than 48 jurisdictions, improving compliance and operational integration.
- Delivered tax structuring and tax due diligence for multinational groups operating across Middle East, ensuring clear commercial outcomes and regulatory alignment.
- Advised boards and senior executives on cross-border tax strategies, mitigating double taxation and enhancing group governance and control frameworks.
- Provided VAT assessment and implementation support for Islamic banks and major Oil and Gas, Real Estate, and Telecom groups across GCC.
Senior Manager (from Oct 2016)
EY Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico
10.2014 - 10.2017
- Delivered tax advisory for major international and national banks, providing clear guidance on corporate tax, withholding tax, and sector-specific regulatory requirements. Managed Portfolio of US 0.5M.
- Managed full tax compliance for leading banking groups, ensuring accurate filings, strong governance, and alignment with local and international standards.
- Handled significant tax audits and disputes for top-tier banks, preparing technical arguments, managing authority negotiations, and securing favourable outcomes in complex cases.
- Supported statutory audits for major banking institutions by reviewing tax positions, validating provisions, and ensuring compliance with accounting and regulatory frameworks.
- Advised on tax impact of new financial products, restructurings, and cross-border transactions, and partnered with finance, legal, and risk teams to strengthen tax controls and enhance overall tax readiness.
Tax Manager (from Oct 2012)
KPMG Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico
10.2006 - 10.2014
- Delivered practical tax advice to major international and national banks, including guidance on corporate tax, withholding tax, sector-specific rules, and available tax incentives.
- Oversaw core tax compliance workflows for banking clients, ensuring timely submissions, accurate calculations, and strong documentation standards.
- Supported statutory audit processes by preparing tax analyses, reviewing provisions, and coordinating with auditors and internal finance teams.
- Conducted tax due diligence and reviewed tax impact of new products, restructurings, and cross-border activities, providing clear summaries to support commercial decisions.
Assistant Manager (Secondment)
KPMG Germany
Frankfurt, Germany
07.2012 - 10.2012
- Seconded from Mexico to Germany to support cross-border tax projects for multinational clients.
- Assisted in tax due diligence for acquisitions and divestments, analysing risks, exposures, and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Supported tax structuring engagements by reviewing corporate structures, evaluating optimisation options, and preparing technical summaries for senior teams.
- Coordinated with German and Mexican tax teams to align findings, ensure accuracy, and deliver consistent cross-border recommendations.
- Contributed to client deliverables, including reports, risk assessments, and structuring outlines, supporting decision making on international transactions.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Accounting
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico /2003 - /2007
Specialization Degree - Federal and Local Taxation
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Mexico City. Mexico /2012 - /2013
Diploma - Federal and Local Taxation
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico /2008 - /2008
Diploma - VAT Compliance
Association of Taxation Technicians
UAE /2018 - /2018
Advanced Professional Certificate - International Taxation
The International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation
Online /2020 - /2020
Diploma - UAE Corporate Tax +
PwC Academy Middle East
UAE /2025 -
Skills
- Commercial leadership and client growth
- International tax expertise
- Advisory for boards and C-suite
- Tax transformation leadership
- Cross-service collaboration
- High-performing team development
Languages
Spanish
Native
English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Affiliations
- Photography and art • Environmental initiatives • Animal care and welfare
Timeline
Group Head of Tax
Wusoom Group
01.2025 - Current
Tax Director
Grant Thornton UAE
11.2023 - 01.2025
Tax Director
PwC Middle East
09.2017 - 10.2023
Senior Manager (from Oct 2016)
EY Mexico
10.2014 - 10.2017
Assistant Manager (Secondment)
KPMG Germany
07.2012 - 10.2012
Tax Manager (from Oct 2012)
KPMG Mexico
10.2006 - 10.2014
Bachelor's Degree - Accounting
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
/2003 - /2007
Specialization Degree - Federal and Local Taxation
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
/2012 - /2013
Diploma - Federal and Local Taxation
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
/2008 - /2008
Diploma - VAT Compliance
Association of Taxation Technicians
/2018 - /2018
Advanced Professional Certificate - International Taxation
The International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation
/2020 - /2020
Diploma - UAE Corporate Tax +
PwC Academy Middle East
/2025 -