CAPE TOWN — Saudi Arabia has secured the chairmanship of the Institute of Internal Auditors for the 2027-2028 term. This is a first for Saudi Arabia and a milestone for Arab and Asian representation in the global internal audit profession.
The announcement was made at the first board meeting of 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Saudi Arabia will be represented by Dr. Hussam Alangarhi, President of the Court of General Accounts and Chairman of the Saudi Internal Audit Authority.
The appointment marks the first time a Saudi has chaired the Institute of Internal Auditors’ board since its founding in 1941.
Mr. Alangari will also be the first person to hold this position representing the Arab world and Asia.
Mr. Alangari said that this achievement reflects the continuous efforts of the organization rather than an individual achievement, citing the Saudi Internal Audit Authority’s role in developing the Saudi internal audit ecosystem and making it one of the top 10 professional internal audit organizations in the world.
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He added that the chairmanship has the additional responsibility of highlighting the maturity of Saudi Arabia’s profession, supporting the country’s talent pool, and contributing to the continued advancement of internal audit standards and practices internationally.
The IIA Board of Directors congratulated Mr. Alangarhi on his appointment, noting that Saudi leadership represents a qualitative addition to the Institute’s work and is consistent with the Kingdom’s preparations to host the International Conference of Internal Auditors in Riyadh in 2027.
The chairmanship will see Saudi Arabia play a more active role in shaping professional policy and strategic decision-making within the world’s largest organization dedicated to internal audit. The IIA has more than 170 affiliate organizations and is located in more than 140 countries.
