ICAEW appoints new President

ICAEW has announced that Caroline Smale has become its President for 2026/27. Smale succeeds Derek Blair and will remain President until June 2027.

As President, Smale will support the implementation of the ICAEW strategy, Direction 2030, which focuses on equipping members with the skills for the future; upholding public trust and professional integrity; and building resilience across the profession.

Her priorities for the year will centre on supporting ICAEW members to thrive in a rapidly-changing world, shaped by emerging technologies and an evolving regulatory landscape. She will also focus on enhancing accessibility into the profession and promoting greater diversity of new talent.

Robert Tindle has become the ICAEW’s Deputy President and Neil Cutting has been elected the next Vice President for 2026/27. Neil has been a member of the ICAEW council since 2023, representing the West of England.

Smale began her career as a graduate trainee at mid-tier firm Bishop Fleming in 1988, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1992. She has been with the firm for almost 40 years, with roles spanning audit manager to risk partner.

Additionally, Smale has served as President of ICAEW South West and was an ICAEW council member for the South West. She was also past chair of both the ICAEW Practice Committee and the ICAEW Members and Commercial Board. Wherever possible, she supports female and younger members and has a mentoring role within the firm.

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. I am keen to increase resilience by empowering professionals and firms to navigate economic uncertainty, workforce pressures, and evolving technical standards – all of which is underpinned by high ethical standards and protecting the public interest.

“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.”