Financial Power List 2018: 36-40 revealed

Compiled by the Accountancy Age editorial team, the Financial Power List 2018 ranks the 50 individuals who we believe will have significant influence on the direction of the accountancy industry over the next 12 months. Individuals considered for the list span government, practice and business with the rankings reflecting who has the power to make an impact in 2018.

Make sure you check back to view the full rankings, which will be released on 31 January, with five individuals announced every day between now and the end of the month.

Here, we reveal the individuals who have made positions 36-40 on this year’s list.

40. Michael Izza, CEO, ICAEW

In his 12th year as chief executive of the ICAEW, Izza is is a long-standing and respected voice in the industry. His influence will be particularly valued this year. As Brexit negotiations develop, he is well placed to maintain dialogue with the government, representing the industry and pushing for a deal that boosts trade and the UK economy.

39. Stuart Simpson, CFO, Royal Mail

Promoted to CFO last year following the departure of Matthew Lester, Simpson has been in the role for six months with plenty of projects to get stuck into this year. Royal Mail is scheduled to release its full-year results ending 25 March on 17 May with recent trading reports indicating that figures will be in line with first half-year performance. The job has its challenges – Simpson will be integral to Royal Mail’s transformation strategy in 2018, but can he help the company successfully navigate pay and pension talks with the unions over the coming months?

38. Kevin Stopps, Co-CEO, Smith & Williamson

Alongside David Cobb, Stopps has overseen a range of initiatives to boost the top 10 firm in the past 12 months, including the creation of a five-year client-focused strategy, aiming to increase revenue, profitability and assets under management. The firm will be looking to take advantage of market conditions and other opportunities in the coming year – building on 2017 results which saw the firm crowned National Firm of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards.

37. David Cobb, Co-CEO, Smith & Williamson

Co-steering Smith & Williamson to 10% fee income growth in 2017, Cobb will be looking to another successful year at the firm. Despite a failed merger with Rathbones last year, Smith & Williamson is now pursuing a potential listing and much of 2018 will see the firm implement measures in preparation. While Cobb has said that the firm won’t be in a position to list until the second half of 2019, major steps are expected to be taken before then, including an upgrade to the firm’s technology platform.

36. Hans Hoogervorst, Chairman, IASB

Re-elected for a second term as chairman of the IASB in 2016, Hoogervorst has until 2021 to lead the way on international accounting standards. The key milestone this year revolves around the conceptual framework for financial reporting, updates to which are due to be released at the end of the first quarter. Will the board succeed in its aim to provide a more complete, clear and updated set of concepts?

View 41-45 on the Financial Power List 2018. 

Share
Exit mobile version