Her appointment marks the fifth female to hold the position in ICAS’ 170-year history.

Ms Cornwell, who is also CFO of Vue International, was confirmed as president at the ICAS AGM on Friday 26 April 2024. She takes over from Clive Bellingham CA, former member of the PwC global board, and will serve a year in office.

She is a highly experienced CFO having worked in senior roles internationally at The Walt Disney Company and then as CFO in three successive PE backed businesses in television broadcasting (Sparrowhawk Media Group), film distribution and production financing (Alliance Films) and most recently in film exhibition (Vue International).

Supporting Ms Cornwell in her role as president are Karen Scholes CA, who has been appointed deputy president of ICAS, and David Cruickshank CA, who has been appointed vice president of ICAS.

Ms Cornwell said: “ICAS has been a leading voice in business and accountancy since 1854, and so to represent the oldest financial institution in the world as its president is a huge honour.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to an organisation which has enabled me to pursue a fascinating and rewarding career, and it’s one of my goals during my presidential term to broaden the route of entry and attract more young people to the profession.

“The CA qualification is the gold standard which delivers way beyond its core syllabus – it creates the business leaders of tomorrow. I value the diversity of our membership, and that we behave with integrity and with the highest standards at heart.”

Bruce Cartwright CA, ICAS chief executive, said: “Alison brings a wealth of experience to ICAS, both as a non-Executive and CFO, and is a strong advocate for integrity, trust in the profession, sustainability and inspiring the next generation of CA students.

“She brings an invaluable perspective from the world of business to her role as our new ICAS president for 2024/25.

“I would also like to congratulate Karen Scholes CA and David Cruickshank CA who have been appointed as our new deputy president and vice president.

“Our ICAS office bearers, Alison, Karen and David, will play a key role with the Executive team in building an exciting future for ICAS.”

Prior to pursuing a career in business Ms Cornwell qualified as a CA with C&L Glasgow in 1990 and spent 5 years in PwC’s corporate finance practice in London.

She has held several non-executive positions, having previously been governor and audit committee chair of the British Film Institute and is currently a non-executive director of Moonriver TV, producer of the recent series A Gentleman In Moscow starring Euan McGregor.