The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has named Ravi Abeywardana as its new director for Sustainability Reporting and Assurance.  

Abeywardana is set to take up the post later in November 2025, after leaving his role at the IFRS Foundation, where he was director of strategic affairs and capacity building for the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). 

Abeywardana has been closely involved in shaping sustainability disclosure frameworks at an international level.  

While at the IFRS Foundation, he was instrumental in developing the ISSB’s sustainability standards, playing a leading role in drafting the exposure draft IFRS S1.  

Before joining the IFRS Foundation, Abeywardana worked as Technical Director at the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), where he led efforts to broaden the board’s framework.  

This work was later integrated into the IFRS Foundation’s remit and cited within ISSB standards. 

In an earlier role at Olam International, a company listed on Singapore’s exchange, he worked across finance and corporate sustainability functions.  

Abeywardana said: ”I’m thrilled to be joining ICAEW at such a pivotal moment. I look forward to building on and strengthening its leadership in sustainability, and empowering members to confidently adopt and implement the sustainability reporting and assurance agenda that regulators require and investors and other stakeholders need.   

Abeywardana is already familiar with ICAEW operations, having served as a Council member since 2021 and contributed to its Sustainability Committee since 2019.  

In his new position, he will oversee ICAEW’s sustainability reporting and assurance activities, collaborating with members, regulators and other stakeholders to influence standard setting, promote trust in sustainability disclosures and support member development. 

ICAEW chief executive Alan Vallance commented: “I am delighted to welcome Ravi to the team. Sustainability is fast becoming a cornerstone of global business activity and reporting – helping to set strategy, promote investment and drive growth.   

“There has been rapid progress in sustainability disclosures and reporting requirements, and expectations continue to increase. Ravi’s skills and experience will be invaluable in helping us strengthen our influence in this market and equipping our members for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”  

Earlier in 2025, ICAEW introduced its Sustainability Accelerator Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping finance professionals with skills in sustainability matters.