Welcome to the July/August issue of CA magazine. I’m delighted to have joined ICAS as Executive Director of Engagement at such an exciting and pivotal time for the profession.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen the difference it makes when organisations really listen and take the time to understand their communities. I’m now looking forward to doing exactly that at ICAS: getting out and meeting as many members as possible, hearing your stories and finding out what matters to you most.

I’ve already had the privilege of meeting some hugely inspiring younger members at the CA Rising Stars 2026 awards – a fantastic introduction to the profession and a reminder of how much it’s evolving.

As President David Cruickshank CA says, the winners’ “astonishing achievements” should be “a great calling card to those students who think chartered accountancy isn’t for them”.

What really stood out for me was their sense of purpose. Jemima Jacobs CA’s experience as a meningitis survivor inspired her own governance role at the Meningitis Research Foundation. “When I was applying for graduate roles as a student, I never imagined where being a CA would take me,” she says.

And the winners are using their CA skills to create impact far beyond finance, whether working across technology, sustainability or charities.

AI is currently transforming the profession in ways unimaginable just a few years ago, but I’m inspired too by David’s insistence that the qualities that allow us to put our trust in CAs remain just as important: judgement, insight and calm decision-making under sometimes tremendous pressure.

One man rising to a challenge is Stuart Patrick CA CBE, whose work as Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has helped transform the city’s business landscape. When fire devastated Union Street in March, he immediately focused on bringing people together and supporting the recovery. “Being a CA gives you a strong sense of risk,” he says.

In an especially risky era, Ian King’s analysis outlines 10 volatile crosswinds CAs need to combat as we enter a bumpy strategy season, from inflation and energy costs to the ongoing competition for skills.

Risk, resilience, trust and opportunity run throughout this issue – and through our profession. I celebrate CAs everywhere for their agility, skill and resilience, and I’m excited to work alongside you – our members – as we continue to shape the future together.

I hope you enjoy the issue.

Geoff Day

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