The Internal audit profession will be bidding adieu to one of its top long-term leaders.
The Institute of Internal Auditors announced today that longtime president and CEO Richard Chambers will be stepping down from his role next March.
Chambers said that his decision comes from many months of consideration about his own goals and the future of the organization.
“Serving as CEO of The IIA has been the honor of a lifetime, but we are at a critical juncture,” Chambers said in a statement. “The association industry in general, and The IIA in particular, will likely look quite different post-COVID-19. The IIA has a strong foundation and outstanding leadership, so I am confident a new CEO with fresh ideas and perspectives will ably execute bold, decisive, and agile strategies to address this new frontier.”
Chambers is the organization’s ninth CEO, serving since January of 2009. Only the organization’s first leader has served longer, 15 years from 1947-1962. The IIA has immediately begun a global search for a new CEO to take over Chambers’ duties.
Legacy of Leadership
Chambers joined the IIA as president and CEO during the Great Recession, bringing years of expertise and experience. Before becoming president of the IIA, he was national practice leader in internal audit advisory services at PwC and vice president of what was the IIA’s learning center. He has served as the inspector general of the Tennessee Valley Authority, deputy inspector general of the U.S. postal service, and the director of the U.S. Army Worldwide Internal Review Organization at the Pentagon.
During Chamber’s time at the IIA, he led the organization to record membership, certifications, and financial performance, with revenue last year of more than $65 million and members in nearly 200 countries. Chambers also lead the organization through the Coronavirus Crisis, expanding virtual conferences, training, and certification exams.
Accounting Today ranked Chambers as one of the “Most Influential” people shaping the accounting profession and the National Association of Corporate Director ranked him as one of the most influential leaders in corporate governance.
“Richard has brought us through an incredible period of progress and stunning growth,” said The IIA’s newly elected Global Chair, Jenitha John. “His passion and enthusiasm for internal auditing, and his global voice advocating for the value and importance of the profession, has elevated The IIA to incredible heights. While he will be missed, I am certain he will leave The IIA firmly planted for a great future and will ensure a smooth transition for his successor.” 
Stephanie Liu is assistant editor at Internal Audit 360°