SINGAPORE - Singapore-listed commodity trader Noble Group, which has battled short sellers and criticsm of its accounting practices, has a new internal audit head.

In an email to the company's employees, chief executive Yusuf Alireza announced the appointment of Mr Frank Russo, who was formerly from GE Capital as managing director and head of audit for energy, aviation and insurance businesses, with effect from Monday (Oct 5).

Mr Russo has more than 24 years of audit, risk and capital management experience.

Before joining GE, he had "led efforts with energy companies and financial institutions to improve their management of capital and risk" at Deloitte and Touche for eight years.

Mr Russo had also spent six years at ABM Amro Bank as director and senior portfolio manager for the North America oil and gas credit portfolio.

Mr Russo has an MBA and a degree in Accounting. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States. He will be based in Connecticut.