Paul Townsend, FCPA, FCA

Paul is a highly regarded advisor in the areas of risk, audit, and compliance who is recognized globally for his forward-thinking approach to internal audit services.

Prior to founding TRA Risk Advisory in 2019, Paul worked for 16 years with Teekay Corporation, where he built best-in-class global enterprise risk management and audit functions. In addition to serving as the chief audit executive, chief risk officer, and chief compliance officer for all four of Teekay’s NYSE-listed companies, he led high-profile projects in scenario planning, initiated a risk-rating system for product development and acquisitions, developed a compliance program, and delivered ethics training in 17 countries.

A leading figure in the growth of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), Paul served as vice-chair of MACN’s board of governors from 2016 to 2019. During his tenure, membership grew threefold and the UN recognized MACN as a leading change agent for global anti-corruption initiatives. He also shared his in-depth experience in anti-corruption, risk management, compliance programs, and ethical leadership at MACN conferences and other venues.

Equally committed to charitable initiatives, Paul chairs the audit and finance committees for Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions, an organization that empowers educational leaders in Africa, and the TK Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth and maritime causes globally.

“Paul brought countless initiatives to the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network, and we all benefited from his clear, deep experience in matters of audit, compliance, and accountability. He was always personable, industrious, dedicated, and operated with the highest ethical standards.”

– John Sypnowich, Chief Legal & Sustainability Officer, The CSL Group Inc.