CAPE TOWN — Saudi Arabia has secured the chairmanship of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Internal Auditors for the 2027–2028 term, marking a first for the Kingdom and a milestone for Arab and Asian representation in the global internal auditing profession.The announcement was made during the board’s first meeting of 2026, held in Cape Town, South Africa.Saudi Arabia will be represented by Dr. Hussam Alangari, President of the General Court of Audit and Chairman of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors.The appointment marks the first time the Kingdom has chaired the board of the Institute of Internal Auditors since its establishment in 1941.Alangari also becomes the first representative from the Arab world and Asia to hold the post.Alangari said the achievement reflects sustained institutional efforts rather than an individual accomplishment, citing the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors’ role in developing the Kingdom’s internal auditing ecosystem and elevating it into the world’s top 10 professional internal audit organizations.He added that the chairmanship carries added responsibility to highlight the maturity of the profession in Saudi Arabia, support national talent, and contribute to the continued international advancement of internal auditing standards and practices.The IIA Board congratulated Alangari on the appointment, noting that Saudi Arabia’s leadership represents a qualitative addition to the institute’s work and aligns with the Kingdom’s preparations to host the 2027 International Conference of Internal Auditors in Riyadh.The chairmanship positions Saudi Arabia to play a more active role in shaping professional policies and strategic decision-making within the world’s largest organization dedicated to internal auditing. The IIA has more than 170 affiliated organizations and a presence in over 140 countries.