ICAS appoints new Public Interest Members
ICAS has appointed two new public interest members who will play a crucial role in ensuring ICAS continues to serve the interests of the general public, creating transparent and intrinsic links to a wider business community.
Franceska van Dijk
Fran is CEO of One Stone Advisors Ltd, a global strategy and communications team supporting companies to develop leading sustainability strategies and practices. One Stone is a founding BCorp and a Best for the World honouree.
Fran advises on managing opportunity and risk to build long-term value, working with corporates to ensure that their business strategy, sustainability values and communications align. She provides the framework for sustainability leaders to future-proof their strategy and prioritise their sustainability goals, for effective business planning.
Fran is a distinguished scholar and published author. She holds master's degrees from the University of Cambridge, the European Association for Environmental Management Education and is co-author of Creating a Culture of Integrity: Business Ethics for the 21st Century. Notably, Fran is Chair of the Macaulay Development Trust, was Deputy Chair of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and served on the advisory board of Montanaro Asset Management.
Reflecting on the appointment, Fran said: "Joining ICAS as a Public Interest Member aligns with my lifelong commitment to helping businesses advance the sustainability transition. I'm eager to contribute towards maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within the organisation."
Julie Ashworth
Founder and CEO of Broadreach Retail, Julie Ashworth is an experienced executive leader providing specialised services to global blue-chip companies since 1999. In addition, she holds a diverse non-executive portfolio, with key roles including the Scotland lead for Women on Boards UK, Chair of the University of Aberdeen, and Chair of the Institute of Directors Scotland.
Julie's expertise spans multiple sectors, including her successful role as Retail Director for the Spirit Group and Executive Partner with IBM, where she transformed perceptions, positioning IBM as a specialist software and service provider.
As Chair of the University of Aberdeen and involvement in various advisory boards, Julie is committed to governance and leadership. Her leadership consultancy, Broadreach Ltd, has left a mark on brands like Tesco, Vodafone, and Target Australia.
Commenting on her appointment as a Public Interest Member (PIM) with ICAS, Julie Ashworth said: "Joining ICAS as a Public Interest Member is an opportunity for me to continue fostering integrity in the business landscape. I look forward to contributing to the ICAS mission and supporting businesses in navigating challenges with ethical and strategic insight."
Fran and Julie will start their roles in April following the 2024 AGM and stand to further enrich our dedication to serving public interest.
