New Leadership at the Government Internal Audit Agency
Paul Wallek has officially assumed the role of chief executive at the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA), bringing with him a wealth of experience from his extensive career in the auditing sector.
With three decades spent at Ernst & Young (EY), Wallek has honed his expertise in delivering external audits across a variety of industries, with a notable focus on the energy sector. His most recent position as an Audit Partner saw him responsible for signing off audit opinions for large, high-risk clients, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes.
Transition in Leadership
Wallek’s appointment comes in the wake of Harriet Aldridge’s departure, who left the GIAA earlier this year to take up a role within the Cabinet Office. During the interim period, Andy Brittain has been at the helm as the acting chief executive, ensuring continuity within the agency.
In welcoming Wallek, Beth Russell, Second Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the GIAA and to government. He joins a strong and stable organisation that, following its recent External Quality Assessment success, remains focused on continuous improvement.” Russell highlighted Wallek’s leadership role in an agency that is committed to harnessing new technologies and increasing levels of insight to ensure public funds are managed judiciously.
Wallek’s Vision for the Future
Expressing his excitement about the transition from the private sector to government, Wallek remarked, “I am hugely excited at making the move from the private sector to government and the opportunity to lead the GIAA. I look forward to driving the GIAA strategy forward and bringing to the Agency all that I have learnt over the past 30 years delivering audits across a range of sectors.”
Understanding the Role of GIAA
The GIAA operates as an executive agency under HM Treasury, providing internal audit and counter-fraud services to central government departments and associated arm’s length bodies throughout the United Kingdom. As the primary provider of internal audit services for the government, the agency plays a crucial role in leading both the internal audit profession and the internal audit function within the public sector.