Michael Izza is new CEO of ICAEW
Michael Izza has been appointed as the next chief executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)
He succeeds Eric Anstee who announced his retirement earlier in the year. Izza will take up his role on 6 December 2006.
Michael Izza is currently chief operating officer, executive director and a board member at the ICAEW, the largest professional accounting body in Europe, representing 128,000 members.
Amongst his many achievements, Michael has played a major role in the development of the Institute’s current strategy as well as driving forward the operational plan. Michael has also been responsible together with other executive directors for the day-to-day running of the ICAEW. Since January 2004 he has acted as deputy to the chief executive.
In making the announcement, Richard Dyson, ICAEW deputy president who chaired the appointments panel, said that the panel had carried out an extensive external review of potential candidates with the help of head-hunters. Michael Izza had impressed the panel with his vision for the Institute and his understanding of the challenges that it faces.
Dyson, added:
“Michael Izza stood out from all the other candidates, not only with his ideas, but his passion, his energy, his commitment to the future of the ICAEW and his ability to get things done. He was the unanimous choice of the appointments panel as the right person to lead the Institute through the next period in its history. We all wish him every success.”
Michael Izza joined the ICAEW in January 2002. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1986 with Coopers & Lybrand after graduating in law from Durham University where he was President of the student union. In 1989, Michael moved into industry working initially as European vice president finance for John Labatt Limited and then managing director John Labatt Retail.
Before joining the ICAEW, Michael worked at Spring Group plc where he ran Spring Skills, the largest vocational training business in the UK, subsequently becoming group finance director and then group development and strategic planning director.
Michael is 45 and is married with 2 children.
Commenting on his appointment, Michael Izza said:
“To become chief executive of my own professional body is both a privilege and an honour. As an Institute, we need to build on the progress that has been made over the last three years. My priorities in taking on this role will be to accelerate our international expansion and to continue our drive to enhance the support we provide to our members. I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading one of the world’s most respected accountancy bodies and taking advantage of the opportunities that are ahead of us.”
Institute President Ian Morris concluded:
“Michael brings with him leadership and commitment as well as a proven track record which will serve him well in the new role.”