Helen Brand, 43, has been appointed as the new chief executive of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Currently the managing director of strategy and development at ACCA, she joined the global accountancy body in 1996.
Helen Brand replaces Allen Blewitt, with effect from 1 September 2008, who is leaving ACCA to return to Sydney, Australia after five years based at the London headquarters.
Commenting on the appointment, Brendan Murtagh, chairman of ACCA’s remuneration committee, said: 'We are delighted we have been able to appoint a worthy successor to Allen Blewitt. After a four month, global recruitment search, it is especially pleasing to be able to appoint from within the organisation. Helen Brand brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the 170 markets in which ACCA currently operates. Her global understanding of the sector and experience of working with bodies, such as IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) will be of great benefit as we move into the next phase of our strategic programme to be the leading global professional accountancy body in reputation, influence and size.'
Helen Brand said: 'I am truly honoured to be appointed chief executive of ACCA and to build on the lasting contribution which Allen Blewitt has created for the profession. It’s to the credit of the organisation’s succession planning that the new CEO could be recruited from within its own ranks.'
Allen Blewitt said: 'I’m very proud that I leave ACCA in an even stronger position than when I joined in 2003. Today we have 122,000 members and 325,000 students. It has been quite humbling to see how the organisation transforms the lives of many who pass its exams and I’m sure Helen will steer ACCA to even greater success under her leadership. I shall track its performance with great interest and affection.'
On this occasion, Arif Masud Mirza, head of ACCA Pakistan said 'For the last five years Allen had been performing an important global role for ACCA, visiting Lahore during the centenary celebration in 2004 and more recently speaking at the professional and ethics event in Karachi to launch ACCA 2007. On behalf of the ACCA community we wish Allen and his family all the best and we now look forward to working with Helen Brand who has very close links with Pakistan that go back over the last 10 years. Helen is well known to the ACCA stakeholders in Pakistan and has a deep understanding of the region.'
