ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. -- To strengthen the voice of the internal audit profession in Canada, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has hired Luc Lavoie, BAA, MBA, CGA, as executive director of the newly established IIA-Canada. Along with an 18-member IIA Canadian Council established last year, Lavoie will work to raise the awareness and professionalism of internal auditing in Canada. The Council and office were created in response to a need for Canadian-specific advocacy efforts.

 "I am proud to be an internal auditor and a part of The IIA. I love to tell people about our fascinating work and the important role we play in the health and success of our organizations," says Lavoie. "Although newly passed laws and regulations have put internal auditing in the spotlight, the profession is not as well-known and understood in Canada as it should be. This new role will allow me to dedicate myself full-time to sharing my passion for the profession and addressing challenges unique to my fellow Canadian internal auditors."

Working closely with the Canadian Council, Lavoie will help build relationships between The IIA and groups impacting the internal audit profession in Canada such as the federal and provincial governments, corporate directors, and securities commissions. Lavoie brings to his new position more than two decades of knowledge of internal auditing and related issues such as control frameworks, corporate governance, compliance, risk management, performance management, and strategic planning. He has worked for a securities regulation agency and for private organizations in the financial, telecommunications, railway transportation, and manufacturing sectors. Lavoie has been an active member of The IIA over the past 20 years  and has served as a recognized volunteer leader and board member.

"Because of Luc's passion, knowledge, and experience, he's the right voice to communicate our profession's messages throughout Canada." says Dave Richards, CIA, president of The IIA. "I'm really excited to begin this process of establishing The IIA's first regional office. I believe this should be the model for us going forward as we advocate the value of internal auditing around the globe."

With businesses and organizations increasingly focused on mitigating risks with strong internal controls, the internal audit profession continues to gain momentum and credibility. This growth is evidenced by The IIA's 75 percent increase in its global membership over the last five years. Canada has fueled this trend over the last two years, as The IIA's 11 Canadian chapters have experienced a 22 percent membership growth to more than 5,000. With global headquarters in the United States, The IIA is the acknowledged international professional association for internal auditors offering guidance, training opportunities, and advocacy on behalf of more than 130,000 members in 165 countries.