Saudi Arabia Secures IIA Board Chairmanship For 2027–2028, Marking A Historic Milestone

The Board of Directors of the Institute of Internal Auditors has selected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to chair the institute’s board for the 2027–2028 term, marking a first for the country, for Asia, and for the Arab world since the institute was founded in 1941.

The role will be held by President of the General Court of Audit and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors, Dr. Hussam Alangari. The decision came during the IIA Board’s first meeting of 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, and reflects international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s professional capabilities.

According to the announcement, this appointment signals the Kingdom’s rising influence within the internal auditing profession worldwide. It also confirms the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia’s contribution to professional standards and policy discussions within the Institute of Internal Auditors, which is described as the largest global organisation dedicated to internal auditing.

The IIA, headquartered in Florida in the United States, serves as the international professional reference point for the internal auditing profession. The organisation operates through more than 170 affiliates and professional bodies and maintains a network that covers over 140 countries, supporting members through guidance, standards, and professional development.

The IIA Board of Directors congratulated Dr. Hussam Alangari and stated that Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship represents a qualitative addition to the institute’s ongoing work. Board members linked this leadership role with Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 2027 International Conference of Internal Auditors in Riyadh, which is expected to draw participants from many regions.

National ecosystem and the internal auditing profession

Dr. Hussam Alangari stressed that the achievement stems from long-term institutional efforts rather than individual work. Alangari highlighted the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors’ part in building and improving the national internal auditing ecosystem, which has helped position SAIA among the world’s top ten professional organisations in the field.

Alangari explained that this international status increases the Kingdom’s duty to present the maturity of its internal auditing profession. He noted the need to support and showcase national talents while encouraging consistent professional excellence and wider global growth of internal auditing practice, in line with the Kingdom’s expanding role in international professional arenas.

With inputs from SPA