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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has named David Cruickshank as its new president to succeed Karen Scholes.
Cruickshank was confirmed in the role at the annual general meeting on 24 April 2026. He previously served as the body’s vice president and deputy president.
The appointment follows Cruickshank’s 40-year career at Deloitte, where he served as UK chairman and global chairman. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 1982.
Cruickshank currently chairs the UK charity Education and Employers and the board of the Social Progress Imperative. He recently retired as chairman of Jupiter Fund Management.
The new president stated his primary objective is to improve social mobility within the profession. He aims to promote the qualification to a more diverse range of young people.
Jonny Jacobs has been appointed deputy president, while Elizabeth Gammie joins the office bearer team as the new vice president.
Gail Boag, chief executive, stated that the leadership team would focus on the next phase of the organisation’s 2030 strategy. Cruickshank has been a council member and trustee of the ICAS Foundation.
Cruickshank said: “Improving social mobility in the accountancy profession is central to my agenda. You can’t be what you can’t see, and I’m determined to help more young people from all backgrounds see what it means to be a Chartered Accountant.
“By removing barriers and widening access to the CA qualification, we can help talent from all backgrounds thrive, while demonstrating how relevant a career as a CA is to the issues young people care about today – from sustainability and technology to ethical leadership.”
