Stefano Comotti Appointed as Chair of The Institute of Internal Auditors Global Board for 2025-2026

Leadership Transition at The Institute of Internal Auditors

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has officially announced the appointment of Stefano Comotti as the Chair of the Global Board for the 2025-2026 term. This significant news was revealed during the IIA's annual International Conference held in Toronto on July 16, 2025.

Stefano Comotti brings a wealth of experience to this prestigious role. With an impressive career spanning over thirty years, he has held key positions in well-known organizations including Ernst & Young and the Gucci Group. Currently, Comotti is associated with a publicly-listed group in the luxury goods sector. His extensive background in financial auditing, risk management, and corporate governance positions him as a formidable leader in the internal auditing profession.

Throughout his career, Comotti has made vital contributions to the advancement of innovative risk management frameworks and has championed social and environmental auditing practices across global supply chains. He has previously served as the Global Senior Vice Chair for the IIA in the 2024-2025 term, as well as the Outside North America Lead Director for the 2023-2024 term, roles that have further prepared him for this chair position.

As he steps into his new role, Comotti aims to inspire internal auditors to elevate their contributions beyond merely participating in discussions to acting as proactive strategic advisors. His platform for the year is titled "Be The Future," which emphasizes the need for internal auditors to evolve in line with rapid technological changes and rising stakeholder expectations.

In his speech following the appointment, Comotti stated, "I'm honored to take the reins as The IIA's Chair of the Global Board at such a pivotal time for our profession. Internal auditors must lead with clarity and purpose, guiding organizations through technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory change."

He elaborated on key areas his leadership will focus on:
1. Harnessing Emerging Technology: Comotti advocates for equipping internal audit practitioners with the skills to utilize AI and automation tools effectively. Recognizing the rapid pace of technological innovation, he emphasizes adapting risk management frameworks to keep up with these advancements.
2. Aligning with Stakeholder Expectations: Comotti aims to enhance trust by aligning risk insights with strategic guidance, ensuring that practitioners can meet the evolving demands of stakeholders.
3. Purposeful Leadership: He emphasizes the importance of leading with intent, striving to build an agile and future-ready profession that can navigate the challenges posed by constant change.

Anthony Pugliese, President and CEO of The IIA, praised Comotti's leadership qualities, stating, "Stefano's career exemplifies what it means to be a future-oriented audit leader, blending deep knowledge and expertise across governance, risk, and strategic advisory." Pugliese believes Comotti’s vision will guide the internal audit profession through the complexities of the current risk environment.

As Comotti embarks on this new chapter, he invites practitioners from around the globe to reflect on their roles and consider how they can contribute to building a resilient and future-ready world. This leadership change promises to drive forward the mission of The Institute of Internal Auditors, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in internal auditing practices across the globe.

The IIA stands as a leading global professional association, serving over 265,000 members and recognizing the accomplishments of more than 200,000 Certified Internal Auditors (CIA) since its inception in 1941. With Comotti at the helm, the organization looks set to navigate the evolving landscape of internal auditing, ensuring it remains at the forefront of standards, education, and technical excellence.