Leonid Group is proud to be retained by a leading organization in the Oil & Gas industry to identify an exceptional Senior Vice President of Internal Audit (de-facto Chief Audit Executive). Our client, one of our largest partners this year, is a well-established, high-growth energy company with a significant operational footprint across the U.S. and international markets, and a strong reputation for operational excellence, safety, reliability, and disciplined execution.

The Role:

The incoming SVP will serve as the company's top audit executive, partnering directly with the Audit Committee, CEO, and CFO to lead the global internal audit strategy and drive excellence across governance, risk management, internal controls, and compliance. This is a highly visible, enterprise-critical opportunity for a seasoned audit leader seeking to influence strategic decision-making and strengthen organizational resilience within a dynamic energy environment.

We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking executive to oversee all internal audit activities, enterprise risk management, operational assurance, and regulatory compliance efforts across a complex Oil & Gas organization. The role will provide independent assurance and strategic insights to executive leadership and the Board, helping guide the company through continued growth, capital investment, operational expansion, and an evolving regulatory landscape.

Location: Dallas, TX

Responsibilities:

Serve as the company's Chief Audit Executive, leading all aspects of internal audit, enterprise risk management, and assurance activities.
Develop, execute, and present the annual risk-based audit plan to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors.
Provide independent, objective assessments of financial, operational, IT, cybersecurity, environmental, health & safety (EHS), and compliance controls.
Lead audits across upstream, midstream, and/or downstream operations, including production, transportation, processing, refining, storage, and distribution activities.
Evaluate operational risks related to asset integrity, process safety, environmental compliance, production optimization, and capital projects.
Oversee the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program and enhance risk governance, accountability, and risk culture across the organization.
Assess the effectiveness of controls related to SOX compliance, financial reporting, regulatory requirements, joint ventures, reserves reporting, procurement, and trading activities where applicable.
Provide assurance over major capital projects, acquisitions, integration efforts, and strategic initiatives.
Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing audit and risk organization.
Leverage data analytics, automation, continuous monitoring, and advanced audit methodologies to improve audit effectiveness and business insight.
Partner closely with Finance, Operations, HSE, Engineering, Commercial, Legal, IT, and Human Resources leadership to strengthen controls, improve processes, and support business objectives.

The Ideal Candidate:

12–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in internal audit, enterprise risk management, compliance, or assurance.
Prior Chief Audit Executive, Deputy CAE, or senior audit leadership experience within the Oil & Gas, Energy, Chemicals, Utilities, or other asset-intensive industries strongly preferred.
Deep understanding of energy-sector risks, including operational, regulatory, environmental, safety, cybersecurity, and financial reporting considerations.
Bachelor's degree required; CPA, CIA, CISA, CRMA, or equivalent certifications strongly preferred; MBA or advanced degree a plus.
Demonstrated success engaging with Boards of Directors and Audit Committees.
Extensive experience leading operational audits within complex, geographically dispersed, and highly regulated environments.
Familiarity with ERP platforms (SAP preferred), data analytics tools, and modern audit technologies.
Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, drive organizational change, and elevate audit and risk maturity.
Strong executive presence, communication skills, and strategic business acumen.

The Benefits:

Competitive base salary, annual performance bonus, and long-term incentive (LTI) equity package.
Comprehensive executive benefits package.
High-visibility role with direct interaction with the Audit Committee, CEO, CFO, and executive leadership team.
Opportunity to shape, modernize, and elevate the internal audit and risk function.
Influence across a major energy organization navigating growth, transformation, and evolving industry challenges.
Exposure to strategic initiatives, capital investments, and operational excellence programs that directly impact enterprise performance.