IPA elects new President and Deputy Vice-President

The Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA), the membership body and regulator for those specialising in insolvency practice, has appointed Carrie-Ann James as its new President for the coming year.

James takes office with immediate effect, and for the coming 12 months will serve as a key representative of the association and Chair of its board of directors for the next twelve months. A licensed insolvency practitioner, Fellow of the IPA and long-standing member of the IPA Council and Member Services Committee, James has over 20 years’ experience in corporate and personal insolvency, working for both large and small practices. She enjoys working with clients to find their best solution and helping directors and individuals through difficult times.

Commenting on her appointment James said “It is with great joy and pride that I accept the office of President of the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA). Lloyd has done a fantastic job as President over the past year leaving behind a strong legacy and we are fortunate to have his continued support going forward.” “Amongst many wonderful things coming up this year, one thing that I am especially pleased with is that the IPA has established a relationship with the wonderful Trussell Trust Charity. The Trussell Trust supports more than 1,200 food bank centres in the UK providing emergency food and support and campaigning for change in the UK. In addition to this, they also provide clothing banks. They are doing great work and we look forward to contributing in any way we can.”

The Insolvency Practitioners Association has also elected Samantha Keen, EY Global Legal Entity Rationalization Leader and EY UK&I Transaction Advisory Services COO, as its next Deputy VicePresident. Keen, who takes up the office of Deputy Vice President this month, is expected to become IPA President in April 2021.

Keen has worked in the restructuring field for over 25 years and is a serving member of counsel. She will support the work of the President and Vice-President over the next two years.

Keen said “The role of the IPA is paramount to providing its members with the tools they need to succeed as well as widening the public knowledge and understanding of the work Insolvency Practitioners carry out.”

“It is an honour to be elected as Deputy Vice President. I look forward to overcoming the challenges ahead and also working with Lloyd and Carrie to the future success of the IPA.”

Outgoing IPA president Lloyd Hinton said “It is with great joy that I congratulate Carrie-Ann on her appointment as IPA President. We’ve had a great year and I am fully supportive of Carrie-Ann’s leadership for the year ahead.” “I look forward to the upcoming victories for both Carrie and Sam as well as the IPA in the year to come.”

Kevin Hellard, moving into the role of IPA Vice President after having served as Deputy Vice President the previous year, said “It is a great honour to continue to serve at this level within the IPA and I look forward to supporting Carrie-Ann in her presidential year carrying on with the good work that Lloyd has done. May I also congratulate Sam on being elected as deputy vice president who am sure will do an amazing job and bring great depth and breadth of experience to this role. I look forward to accomplishing great things this year and continuing to demonstrate the IPA as being the leading regulator in the insolvency profession.”

IPA CEO Michelle Thorp said “After a great year with Lloyd as President of the IPA, we are honoured to have Carrie take over as President over the coming year.” “With Carrie’s expertise and experience along with the backing of the whole IPA and its members and the impressive Sam as Deputy Vice President, I’m confident that this is a great time for the IPA during this tenure.”

“Congratulations Carrie and Sam!”