Strengthening trust through leadership in internal audit

July 1, 2026

3 min read

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Corporate Communications

Amadeus

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Strengthening trust through leadership in internal audit

Corporate governance is increasingly in focus, and is being shaped by greater complexity, faster technological change, and rising expectations around transparency. Against this backdrop, the role of internal audit has never been more critical.

We are pleased to share the appointment of Manuel de Alzúa, Chief Audit Executive at Amadeus, as Chair of the Spanish Institute of Internal Auditors.

This appointment, which is for the next three years, is not only a recognition of Manuel’s experience and leadership, but also of the growing importance of internal audit as a strategic function. It’s an area that helps organizations build trust, protect value, and navigate a fast-evolving landscape.

The evolving role of internal audit

Internal audits have fundamentally evolved. What was once seen primarily as a control function is now a strategic pillar helping organizations navigate uncertainty, anticipate risks, and make better decisions.

As organizations face a rapidly changing risk landscape shaped by technology, macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts, and rising expectations around transparency, the role of audit is becoming ever more critical. It is no longer just about assurance; it is about enabling resilience and supporting sustainable performance.

A clear vision for the future

Manuel has been a member of the Institute’s Board since 2016 and Vice Chair since 2019, and has served as Chief Audit Executive at Amadeus since 2013. As he takes on this new role, Manuel brings a forward-looking perspective grounded in both experience and conviction:

I assume this role with a firm commitment to continue strengthening internal audit as a strategic function. This is an important area that builds trust, protects organizational value and contributes to good corporate governance. I’m excited to take on this responsibility and work with peers across the profession to help organizations become more resilient, better prepared for the future, and positioned for sustainable growth.

This perspective highlights a key shift: governance is not a constraint on growth, but rather it is an enabler of it.

The Spanish Institute of Internal Auditors - Collaboration across industries

With more than 4,200 members and a strong international network, the Spanish Institute of Internal Auditors plays a key role in promoting internal audit as a cornerstone of good governance. The institute brings together professionals from a wide range of sectors - from finance and energy to healthcare and technology - reflecting the cross-industry nature of today’s governance challenges.

This diversity is critical. As organizations become more interconnected, so do the risks they face. Sharing expertise, and aligning on best practices, helps raise standards across the board and fosters innovation in how governance and risk are managed.

It also reinforces a broader truth: building resilient, trustworthy organizations is a collective effort. No company operates in isolation, and strong governance depends on collaboration across the entire ecosystem.

Governance as a foundation for trust for Amadeus

At Amadeus, the principle of trust is firmly embedded in how we operate. We uphold the highest standards of corporate governance to sustain our position as a trusted partner for customers, suppliers, and stakeholders across the travel ecosystem.

Robust governance frameworks and strong internal audit capabilities play a fundamental role in achieving this. They ensure that decisions are made transparently, risks are managed effectively, and the long-term interests of shareholders are protected.

In an industry as interconnected as travel, trust is essential. Internal audit contributes directly to this by strengthening confidence across all stakeholders.

Contributing to stronger governance

Manuel’s appointment as Chair goes beyond individual recognition. It represents an opportunity to further strengthen governance practices not only within organizations, but across the broader business landscape.

At Amadeus, we remain committed to supporting these efforts. Because ultimately, strong governance is not just about processes or controls. Strong governance is about building lasting trust, enabling sustainable growth, and creating value over time.

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