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Influential Leaders

Aaron Gagnon

Partner and Chief Audit Officer, McKinsey & Co.
Recognition Year(s): 2025
Area of Impact: Consumer Goods or Services
School: Michael J. Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University
Location: United States

Summary

Both a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor, Aaron Gagnon is currently a partner and the chief audit officer at McKinsey & Company. Over his career, he has experienced the evolution of audit services through 2000, the scandals resulting in the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, the financial crisis of 2008, and the expansion of internal auditing to every aspect of an organization. In each era, Gagnon has applied an intellectual and practical approach to governance, risk, control assurance, and advice. His work at internationally recognized organizations and service at his alma mater, Kennesaw State University (KSU), epitomize his commitment to improving the world economy through thoughtful intrapreneurial leadership.

Entrepreneurial Impact

Accepting opportunity and working hard have been the cornerstones of Gagnon’s career. Upon earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from KSU, his first audit position was with EY. In his 20 years there, Gagnon worked in Germany, Japan, and the U.S. with clients including McDonald’s, Walmart, Graphic Packaging, WestRock, and Coca-Cola.

When approached to reimagine the internal audit function at Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) after a successful accounting career at EY, Gagnon accepted the challenge and transitioned from being an external auditor to an internal auditor. While both roles provide independent assurance, the internal audit function includes a strong consultative role and an additional set of professional standards to add value within the company and across all business functions.

Following his work at A&F, Gagnon joined Apple Inc. to use his entrepreneurial genius to transform the company’s internal audit function. After nearly five years and a pandemic, Gagnon accepted his current role of chief audit officer and partner at McKinsey. He is recognized internationally in the internal audit profession.

A supporter of lifelong learning, Gagnon speaks to KSU classes of future business leaders and shares the importance of a positive attitude with students at the KSU Internal Audit Center (IAC). Auditing requires the auditor to judge someone’s work to a particular standard, and it can create anxiety and contentious situations, as auditees sometimes get defensive. When a student once asked a pointed question in class, Gagnon explained that, whether in a classroom or a C-suite boardroom, an auditor should first and always “be nice.” Through his engagement, he gives back to KSU, building an even better audit profession.

Additional Information