The IIA Launches Global Audit Committee Center to Support Boardroom Excellence
Press Release | Advocacy | Policy & Stakeholder Relations | October 14, 2025
New center empowers boards and audit committee members to enhance internal audit’s strategic impact with thought leadership and resources
WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 14, 2025) – The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) today announced the launch of the Global Audit Committee Center, dedicated to offering thought leadership, strategic insights, and resources to help boards and audit committee members strengthen and advance governance excellence.
Designed to support and empower corporate audit committee and board members, the Global Audit Committee Center reflects The IIA’s ongoing commitment to corporate governance engagement. As part of a broader strategy, The IIA will also work with other corporate governance stakeholders and its global federation of National Institutes to build a pipeline of board-ready professionals by encouraging Chief Audit Executives to pursue board appointments.
“The new Center reflects our belief that engaged audit committees are essential to the long-term success of the internal audit profession,” said Mat Young, Executive Vice President for Global Advocacy, Policy, and Stakeholder Engagement at The IIA. “By equipping board-level stakeholders with targeted resources, we’re helping to ensure internal audit teams receive the support they need to thrive.”
The Center offers a comprehensive suite of strategic resources, including newsletter alerts, governance insights, research reports, webinars, in-person events, and access to thought leadership aligned with The IIA’s Vision 2035 initiative and new Global Internal Audit Standards™. Its purpose is to elevate the profile and impact of internal audit in the boardroom by helping audit committee members better understand their internal audit oversight responsibilities and the strategic value of supporting internal audit functions. Over the coming months, the Center will also create new resources related to the nexus between internal audit and enterprise risk management as well as high profile topics such as artificial intelligence and data privacy.
As part of its expanded focus on global governance, The IIA is also establishing a Global Audit Committee Center Board of Directors, representing six regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. This board will guide the Center’s global strategy and ensure regional perspectives are reflected in its initiatives. Abdullah Alshebeili, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors, will serve as the Board's inaugural chair, providing leadership to shape the Center’s strategic direction.
“I congratulate Abdullah on his appointment as the Board Chair,” said Anthony Pugliese, President and CEO of The IIA. “His extensive leadership experience and contributions to strengthening internal audit and governance practices in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East will bring tremendous value to the Center. Abdullah’s global perspective and deep commitment to governance excellence will be invaluable as we expand our reach and continue to support internal audit and governance leaders around the world.”
For more information, visit https://www.theiia.org/AuditCommittee
About The Institute of Internal Auditors
The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 265,000 global members and has awarded more than 200,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org.