The Institute of Internal Auditors, a professional organization for the internal audit profession, has named Sally-Anne Pitt as its new global board chair for 2023 and 2024. The announcement was made at the IIA’s International Conference in Amsterdam last week.
Pitt, who has been managing director of internal audit advisory firm Pitt Group in Melbourne, Australia for the last two decades, has also most recently served as senior vice chair of IIA’s global board. Global board chair is the highest voluntary position at the organization.
“Sally-Anne’s career journey embodies the power of questioning norms and pursuing innovation,” said Anthony Pugliese, president and CEO of the IIA in a statement. “As we launch new global Standards and embark on the Vision 2035 project, Sally-Anne’s leadership as chair of our global board is both fitting and inspiring. Her expertise will shape the future of internal audit, demanding fresh thinking and a forward-looking approach.”
‘Think Different’
Pitt’s stated platform for the year is “Think Different,” drawing from the classic Apple advertisement campaign that highlighted the impact of creative, outside-the-box approaches. According to a statement from the IIA, “her focus will be on emphasizing how a shift in perspective will help shape the future of internal audit in the face of rapidly emerging challenges and opportunities.”
“Pitt’s platform focuses on areas where the profession has an opportunity to look for new and creative ways to chart a path forward in a world that increasingly requires adaptability, the IIA said. Those areas include:
- The skills that internal auditors need in a rapidly changing world
- Elevating awareness of the internal audit profession and the value that internal auditors bring to their organizations
- Building a robust and diverse pipeline of talented professionals who can not only meet the challenges of their shape, but continue to shape the future of internal audit
- How The IIA operates as a global organization.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be called upon to serve the IIA as the new global chair during such a pivotal time for our profession,” said Pitt. “We’re at an inflection point in the profession’s history, where the need to constantly adapt and change requires a different mindset. That’s why I’m calling on internal auditors around the world to seize this opportunity to ‘think different.’ We’re facing new, first-of-their-kind challenges and opportunities, which require fresh perspectives and new ideas … I look forward to working with the IIA’s members, volunteers, and stakeholders to tackle these challenges and help build an exciting future for our profession.”
Pitt, who holds the certifications Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP), has also held risk management and audit committee positions at Australia’s Northern Territory Government and Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, respectively. 