ICAS makes two senior appointments

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has made two senior appointments, which the professional body of accountants said further strengthened the “depth, expertise and versatility” of its leadership team.

Geoff Day joins ICAS as executive director of engagement, following a 25-year international career that includes several high-profile positions and leadership of his own UK based agency whose clients included BBC Television and Radio.

Overseas, Day has served as director of communications and brand experiences at Mercedes-Benz USA and spent numerous years in New York as the managing partner of the agency Jackanory.

He is stepping over to ICAS from his most recent role as director of marketing and external relations at Edinburgh Napier University.

Meanwhile, Cat Devaney CA has been promoted from director of professional qualifications to executive director of learning, following 20 years at ICAS during which she has climbed the ranks and been acknowledged for her “leadership and commitment to learning dedication”.

Most recently, she oversaw the creation and roll out of the new chartered accountancy qualification and student experience as part of a three-year learning transformation, which ICAS said developed a new approach to training chartered accountants.

In her new capacity, the trade body said Devaney will expand on this work while heading the launch of new training products aimed at drawing a wider audience.

Day said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining ICAS at this pivotal time for the industry. Throughout my career I’ve worked across a wide eco-system of engagement touchpoints – bringing together brand, communications, development, digital and stakeholder relationship building – to create meaningful connections that build trust and fuel growth.

“I‘ve seen first-hand how a strategic, insight driven approach to engagement can transform teams, strengthen trust and unlock opportunity. I’m excited to bring that experience to ICAS and to work with colleagues, members and partners to elevate our impact, strengthen our voice and shape an ambitious future together.”

Devaney added: “I’m looking forward to adding real value having experienced the ICAS journey first‑hand, from being a CA student to shaping how we train CAs, I’m proud to take on this role.

“I’m passionate about ensuring our learning reflects the realities of modern business and continues to meet the evolving needs of our students, members, firms and wider economy. ICAS has built a strong and growing learning portfolio, and I’m excited to build on this momentum as we enter the next phase of ICAS’ growth.”

Gail Boag, CEO at ICAS, said: “We’re in a period of growth at ICAS, and as we expand our learning portfolio and extend our global reach, we are cementing ICAS’ position at the center of the trust economy during a time of global uncertainty.

“People have turned to us for guidance for over 172 years, and as a people centered institution serving a people focused profession, our success depends on bold, future focused leadership which allows us to remain relevant in a constantly evolving world. Geoff and Cat’s appointments strengthen our leadership team and enhance our ability to deliver impact, support our members, and shape the future of the profession.”