SVP Internal Audit & Risk Management | GRC Leader of the Year 2025 | Driving ESG Integration & Agile Auditing for Sustainable Energy Transformation
In an era where sustainability is no longer a corporate choice but a mandate for survival, Alvin Novalino stands as a testament to the transformative power of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). As the Senior Vice President and Head of Internal Audit & Risk Management at a leading listed energy corporation in Indonesia, Alvin views GRC as far more than a defensive shield or a rigid annual checklist. To him, it is a dynamic and integrated ecosystem that weaves sustainability, innovation, and trust into the very fabric of an organization. This conviction that ethical leadership and agile auditing can drive sustainable success is the defining theme of a career that recently saw him named “GRC Leader of the Year 2025” at the Indosec Summit & Awards.
A Mindset of Excellence and Early Ambition
Alvin’s journey began in the academic halls of Universitas Andalas in West Sumatra. Serving as the Vice Leader of the Association of Accounting Students and graduating at the top of the international accounting program, he demonstrated a potent mix of academic rigor and natural leadership. While he initially aspired to a role in the Ministry of Finance, his path diverged in a direction he now reflects on with profound gratitude. He realized early that his true calling lay at the intersection of business and governance, leading him to PwC Indonesia. For nearly five years, he sharpened his technical acumen as an external auditor, building the foundational understanding of complex audit and control that would later become the cornerstone of his strategic leadership.
The Shift from Watchdog to Strategic Partner
Moving into the corporate sector marked a pivotal shift in Alvin’s professional identity. In his roles leading internal audit and risk management, he has spearheaded a dramatic evolution of the function. He championed a move away from the traditional view of the auditor as a watchdog toward the role of a trusted advisor.
Alvin’s philosophy centers on the practical integration of the Three Lines Model. He understands that Risk Management and Internal Audit must work in tandem to build true organizational resilience. For Alvin, resilience is measured by an organization’s ability to stay ahead of risk rather than merely responding to it. His leadership style has matured to prioritize strategic influence and stakeholder engagement over pure technical expertise. “One of the most significant shifts in my leadership philosophy has been moving from being a technical expert to becoming a value enabler,” Alvin notes. “I am not only ensuring governance and control, but also enabling the business to grow responsibly.”
Driving Sustainable Success Through Integrated GRC
Today, Alvin is a leading voice for a governance style that possesses a soul. His approach at a major energy firm navigating the transition to renewable energy and waste management is both visionary and pragmatic. Under his guidance, traditional audit parameters have expanded to include a comprehensive assessment of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks.
A hallmark of his impact is the implementation of Agile Auditing, a practice he considers essential in an increasingly complex and digitally volatile environment. This approach is not about speed alone but about adaptability. “Agile auditing allows us to conduct shorter, iterative audit cycles and provide real-time insights rather than retrospective findings,” Alvin explains. “This ensures that audit is not a bottleneck, but a strategic partner helping the organization navigate uncertainty while maintaining control.” His influence extends beyond his company as he shares Indonesia’s transformation journey at international forums like the UN Global Compact in New York and the Responsible Business Forum.
A Legacy of Trust and Ethical Leadership
Alvin’s vision for the future is fundamentally human-centric. For him, the ultimate goal of an integrated GRC framework is to build trust and resilience across the organization. By connecting diverse functions like Legal, Human Capital, and Finance into one foundation of ethical leadership, he ensures that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
His advice to the next generation of professionals reflects his own balanced approach to success. “Career success today is no longer defined solely by financial or corporate achievements,” he shared during a recent leadership summit. “Be clear about your purpose early on, stay adaptable, and align your career with sustainability and societal impact.” Alvin Novalino’s legacy is not just the awards and certifications but a fundamental shift in how organizations view governance. He remains a firm believer that by embedding a strong risk and governance culture from the top, any organization can turn uncertainty into an opportunity for growth that endures for generations to come.
Editorial Note
Alvin Novalino’s journey offers a powerful lesson in purposeful leadership. He has demonstrated that the traditional pillars of business success are no longer sufficient in isolation. To thrive in a post-digital era, leaders must adopt a GRC mindset that weaves integrity and sustainability into every strategic decision.
