Stephanie Richard

When I started my journey in banking more than 25 years ago, I never imagined what was ahead. As the Chief Audit Executive for what is now the nation's largest digital-only bank and a leading auto lender, it's been a privilege to play a role in nearly every critical milestone in Ally Financial’s recent history. Over the past two decades, we built a new company from the ground up, rebranded ourselves as Ally Financial with a promise to #DoItRight, implemented major regulatory requirements, went public, and tackled numerous product expansions and M&A. As a regulated bank seeking to disrupt the industry, we had to do audit differently. We reinvented our function to be dynamic, agile and forward-looking. We became a key advisor and partner to senior leadership and the Board. We embraced emerging technology - including launching a robust data analytics platform and a proprietary generative AI assurance tool. Along the way, we earned a reputation as a function that both protects AND advances Ally's digital evolution. We changed our perception of ourselves, and how others perceived us. As our chief technology leader Sathish Muthukrishnan says, “our audit team doesn’t slow us down, they help us accelerate.” Beyond advising the business, I have a passion for developing female leaders. From getting girls involved in STEM through Project Scientist, to empowering women through Dress for Success Charlotte, to mentoring students through WINGS, to leading Ally's Women's Employee Resource Group… I am passionate about helping women make long-term investments in themselves and building their courage and confidence to lead. I am also a proud graduate and supporter of Michigan State University and Wayne State University.