The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation’s trustees have picked Laura Forzani as managing director, effective from 1 September 2026.
Forzani will succeed Michel Madelain and will report to the chair of the trustees.
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The role covers overseeing the management of the IFRS Foundation and its staff, and “implementing and delivering” the Foundation’s mission, a statement said.
Her responsibilities include supporting the Foundation’s governance, funding and operational agenda. Forzani will also work closely with the leadership of the International Accounting Standards Board and the International Sustainability Standards Board.
IFRS Foundation trustees chair Erkki Liikanen said: “I am delighted to welcome Laura Forzani as managing director of the IFRS Foundation.
“Laura brings a strong combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence and experience leading complex organisations through periods of growth and transformation.
“Her experience building high-performing organisations will be invaluable as the Foundation continues to strengthen its capabilities and deliver on its strategic priorities.”
Forzani is a former partner and chief operating officer at KPMG UK.
She brings more than 25 years of experience working across public and private sector organisations.
Forzani said: “I am excited to join the IFRS Foundation at such an important point in its development.
“The Foundation plays a unique role in supporting transparency, accountability and efficiency in global capital markets through high-quality reporting standards.”
During his two-year term as managing director, Madelain led a wide-ranging “transformation programme”, the statement added. The efforts were aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Foundation’s work and operations.
Liikanen said: “I also thank Michel Madelain for the last two years serving as managing director and beforehand as a trustee of the IFRS Foundation and chair of the Nominating Committee.”
In January this year, the IFRS Foundation’s Capital Markets Advisory Committee appointed three new members.
