Boards: IIA Global.

Anthony J. Pugliese is president and CEO of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the internal audit profession’s most widely recognized advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certifications.

Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Pugliese has been a strategic, hands-on leader who has directed expansions into major global markets, pioneered innovative educational initiatives aimed at enhancing members’ professional growth, overseen the internal audit function of a major organization for 14 years, and reshaped cultural norms toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

As CEO of The IIA, he drives the vision and management of a global professional association that represents more than 245,000 members, 144 chapters, and 117 affiliates in nearly 200 countries and territories. His focus is on enhancing membership services, creating new approaches to learning and competency development programs, global advocacy, and enhancing the value of internal audit, particularly in its role of addressing organizational risks and opportunities. He is helping both The IIA and the internal audit profession evolve for the future through projects to modernize professional standards and certifications. He spearheaded the groundbreaking “Internal Audit: Vision 2035 Creating Our Future Together” project, which aims to identify what the internal audit profession will—and should—look like in 2035 and to create a road map to help the profession achieve that vision.

A seasoned executive and skilled association strategist with a passion for innovation and technological advancement, Pugliese advocates a culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, empowerment, diversity, and achievement. He is very active in the community, with a passion for mentoring students and leading business partnerships, such as chambers of commerce.

Pugliese was previously president and CEO of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) (CalCPA), the largest state-certified CPA organization in the United States, with almost 50,000 members. In 2020, he led the development of a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee at CalCPA to identify and address racial and other inequities in the accounting profession.

From 1997 through 2018, he served in key leadership positions at what is now the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the world’s largest accounting professional organization. His roles included chief operating officer and senior vice president of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, where he oversaw its $50 million relocation to North Carolina, and vice president of business reporting and member innovation.

A graduate of the University of North Florida (Jacksonville), Pugliese has been repeatedly recognized as one of the most influential people in accounting. He holds The IIA’s certified internal auditor credential, and is a chartered global management accountant, certified information technology professional, and licensed CPA in Florida.