ICAS strengthens leadership team to drive growth

MEDIA STATEMENT - ICAS has made two senior appointments, further reinforcing the depth, expertise and versatility of its leadership team.

Geoff Day joins ICAS as Executive Director of Engagement. With an illustrious international career spanning 25 years, Day has held numerous high-profile roles including Director of Communications and Brand Experiences at Mercedes-Benz USA. He spent several years in New York as the Managing Partner of the acclaimed agency Jackanory and ran his own UK based agency with a client roster that included BBC Television and Radio. Day joins ICAS from his most recent position as Director of Marketing and External Relations at Edinburgh Napier University. 

Commenting on his appointment, Day said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining ICAS at this pivotal time for the industry. Throughout my career I’ve worked across a wide eco-system of engagement touchpoints – bringing together brand, communications, development, digital and stakeholder relationship building - to create meaningful connections that build trust and fuel growth. I ‘ve seen first-hand how a strategic, insight driven approach to engagement can transform teams, strengthen trust and unlock opportunity. I’m excited to bring that experience to ICAS and to work with colleagues, members and partners to elevate our impact, strengthen our voice and shape an ambitious future together.” 

Cat Devaney CA has been promoted from Director of Professional Qualifications to Executive Director of Learning. With 20 years at ICAS, she has risen through the organisation and is widely recognised for her leadership and commitment to learning innovation. Most recently, she led the development and delivery of the new CA qualification and student experience as part of a three-year learning transformation - an industry first that ICAS pioneered in shaping a new approach to training Chartered Accountants. In her new role, Devaney will build on this market-leading work while spearheading the introduction of new training products designed to engage a broader audience. 

The new Executive Director of Learning at ICAS, Cat Devaney CA, said: “I’m looking forward to adding real value having experienced the ICAS journey first hand, from being a CA student to shaping how we train CAs, I’m proud to take on this role. I’m passionate about ensuring our learning reflects the realities of modern business and continues to meet the evolving needs of our students, members, firms and wider economy. ICAS has built a strong and growing learning portfolio, and I’m excited to build on this momentum as we enter the next phase of ICAS’ growth.” 

Gail Boag, CEO at ICAS, said: “We’re in a period of growth at ICAS, and as we expand our learning portfolio and extend our global reach, we are cementing ICAS’ position at the centre of the trust economy during a time of global uncertainty. People have turned to us for guidance for over 172 years, and as a people-centred institution serving a people focused profession, our success depends on bold, future focused leadership which allows us to remain relevant in a constantly evolving world. Geoff and Cat’s appointments strengthen our leadership team and enhance our ability to deliver impact, support our members, and shape the future of the profession.”