Andrew Harding named as CIMA chief executive

CIMA has appointed Andrew Harding as chief executive, replacing Charles Tilley, the institute’s long serving boss.

Harding succeeds Tilley, who stepped down on July 31 after 15 years at chief executive of CIMA, who will now focus on running the newly-created CGMA Research Foundation.

Harding joined CIMA in 2009 as executive director, becoming managing director two years later. His appointment comes shortly after CIMA’s members voted to join forces with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and create a new association.

When it launches in 2017, Harding will become chief executive of its management accounting unit and will be responsible for driving the impact of management accounting across the world.

He said: “It’s a huge privilege to be appointed chief executive as we enter this new chapter in CIMA’s history. To be combining the power of management accounting and public accounting for the first time through the power of the Association is so exciting.

“My personal focus and commitment will be to create value for our members. The Association will unlock opportunities to keep CGMAs ahead of the game; keeping them plugged in to the knowledge, resources and skills that help them to succeed.

“The opportunity presented by the U.S. market is huge and will be a prime focus of the management accounting unit as we position management accounting as a top career choice for graduates in the world’s largest economy.”