The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has appointed the first female chief executive in its 172-year history.
Gail Boag will take over in January, replacing Bruce Cartwright who will leave the organisation in March.
Ms Boag, currently ICAS’s executive director for learning and market development, is a former Dean of Edinburgh Napier’s Business School and regional director of Scotland at BT.
She led the recent transformation of the CA syllabus, designed to keep pace with advances in technology, data and sustainability, and to ensure the quality of the CA qualification is recognised around the world.
She said: “My focus will be on ensuring that ICAS continues to act in the public interest while driving sustainable growth for the organisation, value for its members and relevance for our qualification. Together, we will build on ICAS’s proud legacy and strengthen its impact for the future.”
ICAS president, Karen Scholes, said Ms Boag had been appointed following a competitive process.
“Gail has already demonstrated her mettle over the last three years,” she said. “Gail brings with her a wealth of experience and I know that she will lead the organisation with drive and passion.
“I also want to thank our outgoing CEO Bruce Cartwright CA for his leadership and commitment to the organisation over the last eight years and both I and my fellow council members wish him all the very best for the future.”
Mr Cartwright has been in post since May 2018 and is said to be considering his next move.
He said: “I am delighted to be handing over the CEO baton to Gail, who has already proven her strong leadership and effectiveness at ICAS. ?
“It has been a great privilege to lead ICAS through such a transformational period. We have a clear identity and purpose, a strong culture of delivering in the public interest.
“I would like to thank the exceptional executive team and colleagues who make it all happen. And to the members and students….as our ambassadors, you bring ICAS and the CA qualification to life…thank you.”
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