Hudson left ACCA in September last year just days before he was due to officially take over from then-incumbent, Anthea Rose. He had been working alongside the previous chief executive for three months in an unofficial capacity.

Hudson, former head of Scottish Media Group's publishing division, received more than £1m during his last few months at SMG. It included a £500,000 bonus for negotiation the £216m sale of that division.

The former lawyer is reported to be on £100,000 for his new role at ICAS. 'Des is an experienced board level manager who has the necessary credentials for what is an extremely challenging role,' said ICAS president, Ian Robertson.

'In particular, his experience of major change programmes will be relevant as the institute enters the final phases of the implementation process of its new strategy.'