Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, United States, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an organization which advocates, provides educational conferences, and develops standards, guidance, and certifications for the internal audit profession. For about 12 years now Richard Chambers has been leading the group as President and CEO. after months of reflection on his personal priorities and what would be best for the organization Chambers has decided to step down from the role and given nearly nine months’ notice of his planned departure. 

“I have plans to stay active,” Chambers told Accounting Today. “I don't know exactly what form that will take. It's a little early, eight months out, for me to make any definite plans. But I still have some time, I think, to spend helping this profession.”

“Serving as CEO of the IIA has been the honor of a lifetime, but we are at a critical juncture. The association industry in general, and the IIA in particular, will likely look quite different post-COVID-19," he added. 

Chambers is the IIA’s ninth chief executive, appointed in January 2009. Only the organization’s first leader, Bradford Cadmus, has served longer, from 1947-1962. As a longtime champion for the internal audit profession, Chambers has joined IIA with decades of experience during the Great Recession. He led the IIA to record membership levels, certifications and financial performance, with revenue last year of more than $65 Mn and members in nearly 200 countries and territories. Even in the time of pandemic, Chambers with his team have been said to have steered the IIA into new ways of interacting with and serving members around the world, including the addition or expansion of virtual conferences, training and certification exams.

“Richard has brought us through an incredible period of progress and stunning growth,” said the IIA’s newly elected global chair, Jenitha John, in a statement. “His passion and enthusiasm for internal auditing, and his powerful global voice advocating for the value and importance of the profession, have 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."

IIA now begins the search for Chambers' successor, who will be able to not only replace him but lead the institute towards a new transformational journey for the post pandemic world. 

Image Credits: YouTube