Eric Anstee, ICAEW chief executive, has strongly denied that he has stepped down from the role in response to controversy surrounding the award of preferred supplier status to a company majority owned by council member Graham Durgan.

After the announcement that Anstee will retire, Accountancy Age spoke to him about his and the ICAEW's future, and the reason behind his decision to step down.

He said the pressure of work had taken him away from home, and he would be spending more time with his wife. He totally refuted any link between his decision and the controversy over the 'perceived conflict of interest' controversy that had surrounded then incoming ICAEW president Graham Durgan.

'I am genuinely retiring,' said Anstee. 'I will stay in the role until we find a successor.'

Discussing his time at the ICAEW, Anstee was certain that he was leaving the institute in a better condition than when he took up the role.

'We've grown so much in the international field. Before the institute was in reverse, given that business is global,' said Anstee.

Although the attempt to merge with CIPFA had failed in the vote, Anstee reiterated that the majority of members were behind the decision and the institute must work more closely with the public sector body.

'I regret we didn't get the majority required. We've jointly set up our public sector special interest group. Those against the merger may well change their mind in the future.'

Although many ICAEW members in practice had criticised Anstee's approach to managing their needs, he believed that the advent of continuing professional development helped the institute 'align' with members' needs.

'It's a whole different approach from when we just set a qualification. With CPD, wherever our members work, they all have something there to help their career.'