The ICAEW is to continue its controversial strategy of consolidation among the institutes, its new chief executive reveals today.
Michael Izza has been named as the new head of the body, and committed himself to continuing with the strategies of his predecessor Eric Anstee.
The new chief executive, formally announced today, is also set to oversee a rebranding that will cost the institute £65,000, it can be revealed.
In an interview with Accountancy Age, Izza was reluctant to set out detailed plans for the institute, which is the largest in the UK with 130,000 members. However, he made it clear his agenda would differ little from the current CEO.
Consolidation among the institutes, opposed by many ICAEW members during last year’s failed merger attempts with CIPFA and CIMA, was in the profession’s long-term interests, Izza said.
‘If the UK is fragmented, it punches below its weight and sometimes we don’t have the influence we should,’ said Izza.
Any plans to push further consolidation immediately could prove highly controversial, after a high-profile campaign by a minority of members last year to frustrate the merger with CIPFA. ‘The challenge is getting the timing right. It will be under review, but is not necessarily at the top of my list,’ he said.
While some members also questioned the ICAEW’s international focus, Izza said his main focus would be growing the institute internationally, while looking to meet members’ careers and needs.
There would be ‘tweaks’ to the ICAEW’s strategy going forward, he said as he pledged to be a ‘listening’ chief executive. Eric Anstee, who steps down on 6 December, said: ‘The institute knows where it’s going; I’m happy with my legacy.’
ICAEW deputy president Richard Dyson revealed their had been 12 candidates for the post.
The institute has spent £65,000 on rebranding, in a contract with Dragon Brand Agency. The new logo will be unveiled in January.
1. Counter falling membership
ACCA could overhaul the ICAEW’s membership as early as 2008 …
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