ICAEW appoints new President

ICAEW has announced it has appointed Derek Blair as its President for 2025/26.

Blair succeeds Malcolm Bacchus and will remain President until June 2026.

Blair’s role as President will include supporting the implementation of ICAEW’s new strategy, Direction 2030, which focuses on maintaining relevance, enhancing reputation and building resilience across the profession. Meanwhile, his priorities for the year will centre on strengthening connections across ICAEW’s diverse membership and enriching the member experience.

Blair studied accountancy, finance and economics at the University of Essex and began his career at Stoy Hayward as an audit trainee in 1990. He then joined Charles Rippon & Turner, a small firm in London, where he qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant in 1994. A move to Morgan Brown & Spofforth as an audit manager followed, where he focused on corporate finance projects and became a partner in 2001.

In 2004, Blair co-founded Pinkham Blair with fellow ICAEW Chartered Accountant David Pinkham. Their general practice firm specialises in supporting those who they describe as “corporate refugees”; people who have left large organisations to start their own businesses.

Blair said “I’m honoured to take on the role of ICAEW President. Over the coming year, I want to focus on strengthening the sense of community among our members and ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or career path.

“One of my key aims is to encourage the growth of micro-communities – small, supportive networks that bring members together to share experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting professional relationships. These groups can help foster a more inclusive and connected profession. This approach reflects the spirit of ICAEW’s new strategy, and I look forward to working with members to bring it to life.”