ICAEW regulatory board appoints new chair

The ICAEW Regulatory Board (IRB) has announced the appointment of Philip Nicol-Gent as its new chair.

He will begin his role with immediate effect following the resignation of Jenny Watson CBE, who has reportedly stepped down for “unforeseen” personal reasons after two months in post.

He has been a member of the IRB since 2016 and vice-chair since 2017, and the board said he has a “clear understanding” of the role and the functioning of the board. 

Additionally, Nicol-Gent is a “highly experienced” lawyer, having been called to the bar of England and Wales in 1991 and the Guernsey bar in 2003.

The appointment of Nicol-Gent was approved by the Regulatory and Conduct Appointments committee.

Nicol-Gent said: “I am looking forward to my time as chair of the IRB. The public interest has been at the heart of the board’s deliberations. As changes across the accountancy sector unfold over the coming months, we will make sure the IRB plays a central role and ensures that the public interest is reflected in that work.”

Watson added: “I’m sorry to have had to stand aside from this role but delighted to hear that the Regulatory and Conduct Appointments committee has asked Philip to succeed me. I know he will do an excellent job and I send him and the IRB my good wishes for the future.”