New ICAS President to champion social mobility and amplify ICAS’ voice in business

MEDIA STATEMENT - ICAS has appointed David Cruickshank CA as its new President, with social mobility in the accountancy profession and the amplification of ICAS’ voice in business placed firmly at the heart of his presidential agenda.

Cruickshank was formally confirmed as ICAS President for 2026/27 at the ICAS Annual General Meeting on Friday 24 April 2026, succeeding Karen Scholes CA.

He brings leadership experience following 40 years at Deloitte, where he led the UK Tax Practice for eight years, followed by eight years as UK Chairman and four years as Global Chairman.

He qualified with Touche Ross (now known as Deloitte) in 1982 and became a partner in 1988. Until his retirement earlier this month, he served as Chairman of Jupiter Fund Management plc and, since 2022, has been Non-Executive Chair of McInroy & Wood Ltd. He is also Chair of the UK charity Education & Employers and Chairs the Board of Directors of the US not-for-profit organisation Social Progress Imperative.

Cruickshank has a long‑standing relationship with ICAS, having played an active role in supporting its strategic objectives over many years. He is an ICAS Council member, Trustee of the ICAS Foundation and was Chair of the Strategy Governance Group. 

His appointment as President follows his service as Vice President in 2024/25 and Deputy President in 2025/26. Supporting him during his term are Jonny Jacobs CA MBE, appointed as Deputy President, and Professor Elizabeth Gammie CA, as the newly appointed Vice President.

Commenting on his appointment, David Cruickshank CA said: “Improving social mobility in the accountancy profession is central to my agenda. You can’t be what you can’t see, and I’m determined to help more young people from all backgrounds see what it means to be a Chartered Accountant and understand the opportunities that are within their reach with the CA qualification. 

“A more diverse profession is a stronger one, which is why we must do more to promote accountancy to talented young people who may not yet see it as an option. Throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand how diverse teams deliver better outcomes. By removing barriers and widening access to the CA qualification, we can help talent from all backgrounds thrive, while demonstrating how relevant a career as a CA is to the issues young people care about today - from sustainability and technology to ethical leadership.

“ICAS has a strong and influential voice, underpinned by huge amounts of research highly relevant to a business environment that is evolving faster than it has for decades. I want to promote this work on behalf of our members, using it to inform, and hopefully improve, outcomes on issues where ICAS has the authority to influence.

“Alongside this, the Office Bearer team and I will work to strengthen ICAS’ voice and ethical leadership across the profession and beyond, helping to maximise opportunities for collaboration and impact.”

Gail Boag, ICAS Chief Executive, said: “Many congratulations to David on becoming ICAS President. His leadership experience and deep understanding and commitment to the profession will be vital as we move into the next phase of our 2030 strategy. I'm thrilled to be working with him as we continue to support our members and strengthen the impact and influence of the CA profession. I would also like to congratulate Jonny and Elizabeth, who have been appointed Deputy President and Vice President respectively.” 

Jonny Jacobs CA MBE, ICAS Deputy President, said: “Being appointed ICAS Deputy President holds both personal and professional significance for me. Coming from a working-class background and being the first in my family to attend university, the journey hasn't always been easy. This role offers a unique platform to help shape the future of our profession, by collaborating with fellow finance leaders to drive meaningful change within the industry and across the broader accounting and finance landscape. Most importantly, it's a privilege to give back to a membership which has supported me so well throughout my career.” 

Professor Elizabeth Gammie CA, ICAS Vice President, said: “I am deeply honoured to join the Office Bearer team as Vice President and to work alongside David and Jonny. I am incredibly proud to be a CA and appreciate the opportunities that the qualification and subsequent membership have afforded me throughout my career. At a time when accountancy faces many challenges, we must lead by example and continue to evolve. In doing so, we will retain our position as one of the world’s leading professional accountancy bodies and ensure that the skills of the CA are pertinent and effective for decades to come.”

Your chance to meet the President

Join us in Edinburgh on 14 May or in London on 4 June to meet the new President, reconnect with fellow ICAS members and expand your network while enjoying complimentary drinks and canapés. 

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