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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has appointed Gail Boag as its next chief executive, effective from 1 January 2026.Boag, who is currently executive director of learning and market development at ICAS, will succeed Bruce Cartwright, who has held the role since 2018.
She previously served as dean of Edinburgh Napier University’s business school and as regional director for Scotland at BT. At ICAS, she has overseen a transformation of the Chartered Accountant syllabus to reflect advances in technology, data and sustainability, and to maintain the qualification’s international recognition.
Her appointment, endorsed by the ICAS presidential team and council, marks a milestone for the organisation, making Boag the first woman to lead the 172-year-old professional body.
The ICAS council said Boag’s leadership and communication skills would help the institute pursue its growth strategy and strengthen its position in the accountancy profession.
Boag said: “I’m deeply honoured to take on the role of CEO at ICAS. The organisation has a distinguished history of upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and public trust.
“My focus will be on ensuring that ICAS continues to act in the public interest while driving sustainable growth for the organisation, value for its members and relevance for our qualification. Together, we will build on ICAS’s proud legacy and strengthen its impact for the future.”
ICAS president, Karen Scholes CA, added: “After a competitive process, I am pleased to announce that we’ve appointed Gail Boag as ICAS’ new CEO. Gail has already demonstrated her mettle over the last three years as our Executive Director Learning and Market Development, leading and delivering our new world class CA Syllabus.
“Gail brings with her a wealth of experience and I know that she will lead the organisation with drive and passion. I also want to thank our outgoing CEO Bruce Cartwright, CA for his leadership and commitment to the organisation over the last eight years and both I and my fellow council members wish him all the very best for the future.”
Boag replaces outgoing CEO Bruce Cartwright CA, who has been in post since May 2018. ICAS Council thanked Cartwright for his leadership over the last eight years, which “brought a step change to the way in which the organisation operated and for setting a clear and visionary strategic direction”. He will leave ICAS in March 2026 after a transition period.
Cartwright said: “I am delighted to be handing over the CEO baton to Gail, who has already proven her strong leadership and effectiveness at ICAS. It has been a great privilege to lead ICAS through such a transformational period. We have a clear identity and purpose, a strong culture of delivering in the public interest.
“I would like to thank the exceptional executive team and colleagues who make it all happen. And to the members and students….as our ambassadors, you bring ICAS and the CA qualification to life…thank you!”
