New Chief Executive Appointed at the Government Internal Audit Agency

Paul Wallek has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA), marking a significant transition in leadership for the organisation.

Wallek brings with him an extensive background, having dedicated 30 years to Ernst & Young (EY), where he specialised in external audits across various sectors, particularly in the energy field. In his most recent position as an Audit Partner, he was responsible for certifying audit opinions for numerous large and high-risk clients.

Leadership Transition at the GIAA

This appointment comes in the wake of Harriet Aldridge, the previous chief executive, who left to take up a role at the Cabinet Office earlier this year. During the interim period, Andy Brittain has been serving as the acting chief executive of the Agency.

Beth Russell, Second Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury, expressed her enthusiasm regarding Wallek’s arrival, 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. Paul will be leading an Agency that embraces the potential of new technologies and increasing levels of insight to provide assurance that public funds are used wisely, efficiently, and effectively.”

Wallek’s Vision for the Agency

In his first statement as chief executive, Wallek conveyed his excitement about transitioning from the private sector to government, expressing his eagerness to lead the GIAA. “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,” he remarked.

The Role of the GIAA

The GIAA operates as an executive Agency of HM Treasury, providing vital internal audit and counter-fraud services to central government departments and associated arm’s length bodies throughout the UK. As the primary provider of internal audit services for the government, the Agency plays a crucial role in leading the internal audit profession and function across the public sector.