Paul Wallek has joined the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) as its new chief executive, the agency and HM Treasury announced on 14 October 2026. He moved from Ernst & Young (EY), where he spent 30 years delivering external audits across several sectors, with a particular specialism in energy. Most recently, as an Audit Partner, he was responsible for signing audit opinions for large and high-risk clients.

The appointment follows the departure of previous chief executive Harriet Aldridge, who took up a post at the Cabinet Office earlier in 2026. Andy Brittain served as interim chief executive in the meantime.

Beth Russell, Second Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury, welcomed Wallek and described the GIAA as a strong and stable organisation that, following its recent External Quality Assessment success, remains focused on continuous improvement. Wallek said he was excited to move from the private sector to government and to lead the agency.

The GIAA is an executive agency of HM Treasury providing internal audit and counter fraud services across UK central government departments and related arm's length bodies.