The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has announced the appointment of Gail Boag as its next Chief Executive Officer. Boag, who currently serves as Executive Director of Learning and Market Development at ICAS, will officially assume the role on 1 January 2026, succeeding outgoing CEO Bruce Cartwright CA.
Boag’s appointment marks a historic milestone for the 172-year-old organisation, as she becomes the first woman to hold the top position. With a career spanning leadership roles in academia and industry, Boag brings extensive experience to the post. She previously served as Dean of Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School and as Regional Director for Scotland at BT.
During her tenure at ICAS, Boag has played a key role in driving the organisation’s modernisation efforts, including leading the transformation of the Chartered Accountant (CA) syllabus. The updated syllabus aims to ensure the qualification keeps pace with developments in technology, data, and sustainability while maintaining its international reputation for excellence.
Boag’s appointment received unanimous support from the ICAS Presidential Team and Council. The Council highlighted her combination of strategic, commercial, and communication skills, along with her proven leadership, as vital to advancing ICAS’s long-term growth strategy.
Commenting on her appointment, 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’ proud legacy and strengthen its impact for the future.”
ICAS President Karen Scholes CA welcomed Boag’s appointment, saying: “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 of 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 will take over from Bruce Cartwright CA, who has led ICAS since May 2018. The Council thanked Cartwright for his eight years of leadership, crediting him with transforming operations and defining a clear strategic direction for the organisation. He is set to step down in March 2026 following a transition period.
On the leadership handover, 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!”
