ICAEW picks Caroline Smale as new president

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has appointed Caroline Smale as its president for 2026/27.

Smale takes over from Derek Blair and will hold the position until June 2027.

She will help drive the ICAEW’s Direction 2030 strategy, which aims to equip members for future skills needs, uphold public trust and ethics, and strengthen the profession’s resilience.

She will focus on supporting members through rapid technological change, regulatory developments and workforce pressures, while also working to broaden access to the profession and attract a more diverse intake.

Smale said: “I am incredibly proud to take on this role as ICAEW president. The finance profession is a force for good, helping organisations make sound decisions, and ultimately, supporting businesses to grow, create jobs and invest.

“That is why, in my time as president, my aims echo the ICAEW strategy in supporting the profession to flourish. I want to ensure accountants remain at the cutting edge of digital transformation, promoting sustainability and changing market needs.

“As president, I will champion a profession that is inclusive, forward-looking and encourages talent from every background because the future strength of the profession depends on the opportunities we create today.”

Smale joined Bishop Fleming as a graduate trainee in 1988 and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992.

She has spent nearly 40 years at the company in roles including audit manager and risk partner.

Her past ICAEW responsibilities include serving as president of ICAEW South West, council member for the South West, and chair of both the ICAEW Practice Committee and the ICAEW Members and Commercial Board.

The ICAEW has also confirmed that Robert Tindle will serve as deputy president, while Neil Cutting has been elected vice-president for 2026/27.

Cutting has been on the ICAEW council since 2023, representing the West of England.

Last month, an ICAEW poll showed that the majority of its members wanted the UK Government to make tax simplification a legislative priority.