Audit Wales has announced the appointment of Anne-Marie Harkin as its new executive director for Audit Services.
Harkin, who adopted the role on 1 March 2021, will be responsible for ensuring the public body’s operational delivery and quality.
Having joined the Wales Audit Office in 2005, Harkin has experience in managing accounts, audit, grants certification, VFM studies and governance reviews.
Between 1999 and 2002, Harkin was the private secretary to the first Auditor General for Wales and, from 2011 to 2014, worked on secondment as the director of finance and HR for the Wales Audit Office.
Speaking on her appointment, Harkin said: “I am incredibly excited by this opportunity. Audit Wales is a great organisation, and I am proud to be taking up this role at such a critical time for Public Services.
“Over the coming weeks and months, I look forward to getting out and about and meeting as many of our key stakeholders as possible.”
Adrian Crompton, auditor general for Wales, said: “The recruitment search for this role has been extensive and thorough, with candidates throughout Wales, the UK and internationally, in the public, private and third sectors and from a wide range of professional disciplines.
“It turns out the gem we were looking for was under our nose all along. For against all the candidates that emerged through the process, Ann-Marie stood out in terms of her energy and passion for Audit Wales, the clarity of her vision for the role, her blend of relevant experience and expertise and her fit with the rest of the new senior team.”