Mr. Barry Melancon, past CEO of AICPA, and Professor Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu, a pioneer in South African accountancy, recognized with the IFAC Global Leadership Award

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has named Mr. Barry Melancon (United States) and Prof. Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu (South Africa) as the 2025 recipients of the IFAC Global Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a positive and lasting impact on the global accountancy profession.

Mr. Barry Melancon

Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, the former President and CEO of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, played a defining role for more than 30 years in advancing the accounting profession through a period of significant global, technological, and organizational changes.

For over three decades, he has championed innovation, public trust, and global collaboration, shaping strategic direction across such areas as digital transformation, audit quality, sustainability reporting, professional ethics, and competency development. His leadership helped unify the profession globally and strengthened its readiness to respond to a rapidly changing world.

Mr. Melancon now serves in several key advisory and governance roles, including Chair of the Board for Baker Tilly International and the Global Advisory Board at Caseware, where he continues to support innovation and excellence across the profession worldwide.

"Barry's contributions have fundamentally shaped the modern accountancy profession," said IFAC President Jean Bouquot. "His vision for a technology-enabled, globally connected profession has enhanced professional quality, helped prepare generations of accountants for the future, and strengthened the public's trust."

Professor Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu

Professor Lumkile Wiseman Nkuhlu, one of Africa's most distinguished accounting pioneers and leaders, has dedicated his career to strengthening public trust, advancing education, and expanding opportunities within and beyond the profession.

As the first Black African chartered accountant in South Africa, he paved the way for generations of Black African accountants. His exemplary career spans academia, public service-including as Economic Advisor to President Thabo Mbeki-and senior leadership at major corporations, including KPMG South Africa, where he guided the organization through complex governance and public trust challenges.

Prof. Nkuhlu's contributions strengthened public-sector governance across the continent and elevated the chartered accountant's role in building resilient economies. His influence extends beyond South Africa. As the Chief Executive of the Secretariat of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the first chairman of the NEPAD Steering Committee, he was at the forefront of African economic revival initiatives. This underscores Prof. Nkuhlu's commitment to the continent's economic development.

"Prof. Nkuhlu's legacy goes far beyond his pioneering work," said Mr. Bouquot. "His leadership has strengthened governance, championed equity in the profession, and shaped accountancy education and public finance in Africa and globally."

The Global Leadership Award was presented to Prof. Nkuhlu during IFAC's Council meeting, held on November 12-13 in Mexico City, Mexico. Mr. Melancon will attend next year's IFAC Council meeting in Seoul, South Korea, to receive his Award.

About IFAC

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.