Title: Chief Audit Executive of Internal Audit
Company: Guardian Life
Location: Rockville Centre, New York, United States
Ronnie T. Welch Jr., Chief Audit Executive of Internal Audit at Guardian Life, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Auditing.
Mr. Welch, chief audit executive of internal audit at Guardian Life, a financial services organization in New York City, has been instrumental in his role since 2021. Recognized as a modern mutual insurance company with over 160 years of consistency in the industry, he strives to support the business’s ongoing needs. Mr. Welch’s expertise in processes, risk management, control assurance, leadership and relationship-building has been pivotal to his ongoing success as a leader in audit services.
Promoted to his position, Mr. Welch formerly served in several other positions at Guardian Life. He began as the head of information technology (IT) audit services from 2014 to 2020. He was then named the second vice president of internal audit for enterprise business and technology services and data analytics between 2020 and 2021.
Mr. Welch’s early career began at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in 2004 as a systems and process assurance manager. He then joined MetLife in 2011 as a manager of IT risk assurance for domestic business within the U.S. Mr. Welch pivoted again when he was acquired by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey in Newark as the head of IT internal audit services, where he remained from 2013 to 2014. While at Blue Cross, he was critical in managing IT internal audit initiatives for the internal audit department. He was also responsible for co-sourcing relationships with vendors regarding internal audit reviews.
A graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey, Mr. Welch received a Bachelor of Science in management information systems in 2004. Beyond his formal education, he received several professional designations, including as a certified internal auditor and CSX cybersecurity fundamental certificate through the Institute of Internal Auditors Inc. and as a certified information systems auditor through the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Mr. Welch also completed the black executive leadership program from McKinsey & Company and the men advocate real change program through Catalyst Inc. and became recognized as a justice, equity, diversity and inclusion master through Guardian Life.
Beyond his primary work-related ventures, Mr. Welch is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Inc. and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), which have helped him remain at the forefront of the auditing field.
In light of his leadership and expertise, Guardian Life honored Mr. Welch with a Chief Executive Award in 2017. This accolade was given to him while he was head of internal audit services, celebrating his efforts in going above and beyond to garner business results. Mr. Welch credits his success to working twice as hard as his colleagues to gain recognition. His strong work ethic eventually paid off, earning their interest and respect.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Welch envisions securing a position on the board of the Institute of Internal Auditors, where he intends to substantially impact the auditing profession. He is especially eager to emphasize modern digital tools, such as artificial intelligence, to drive transformation and progress within the industry. Apart from his industry goals, Mr. Welch hopes to become more involved in charitable work, particularly on the board of a nonprofit organization where he can foster meaningful change in his community.
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