IFAC Welcomes New Advisory Group Members from 16 Jurisdictions

The accountancy profession is evolving rapidly, shaped by shifting business models, changing capital markets, technological advancement, and rising expectations of professional judgment and leadership.

International Federation of Accountants' (IFAC) advisory groups play a critical role in helping the global profession navigate these changes. Bringing together experienced practitioners, educators, and leaders from across regions and sectors, the groups provide practical insight into how global trends are affecting professional accountants and the organizations they serve.

Through their work, IFAC's advisory groups:

• Provide forward-looking perspectives on emerging developments affecting the profession
• Support efforts to strengthen the profession's relevance, resilience, and attractiveness
• Contribute practical insight to the development of tools, resources, and guidance
• Help connect global standard setting with real-world business and professional experience

Advisory groups represented include:

• The International Panel on Accountancy Education, which supports the advancement of high-quality, future-focused accountancy education worldwide.
• The Professional Accountancy Organization Development and Advisory Group, which supports strong, resilient, and sustainable professional accountancy organizations.
• The Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group, which considers global trends affecting CFOs, finance leaders, boards, and audit committees across sectors.
• The Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group, which provides input and practical resources to support SMPs and SMEs and promote their essential role in the global economy.

IFAC warmly welcomes the new members joining its advisory groups in 2026 and thanks departing members for their dedication and service to the profession.

Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer, said:

"At a time of significant change for the global profession, IFAC's advisory groups play an essential role in bringing together insight, experience, and perspective from across jurisdictions and sectors. Their contributions help ensure the profession remains relevant, resilient, and attractive, while continuing to earn trust and serve the public interest. I am pleased to welcome our new members and thank those concluding their terms for their valued service to the global profession."

(Members below listed with employer and nominating organizations)

International Panel on Accountancy Education

New Members

• Sven Hayn, Owner & CEO, WP Hayn | Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer and Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (Germany)
• Jen Rimes, Director, Global Assurance, BDO Global | BDO Global (USA)
• Susan Smith, Professor of Accounting, University College London (UCL) School of Management | Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (United Kingdom)
• Roopa Venkatesh, Director, School of Accounting, University of Nebraska at Omaha | University of Nebraska at Omaha (USA)
• Samantha Wilson, General Manager, CA Program, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand | Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia

Returning Member & Deputy Chair

• Jan Taylor, Senior Director, Academic in Residence, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants-AICPA | AICPA (USA)

Departing Members

• Susan Flis, Senior Manager, Global Professional Practice, Methodology & Enablement | Ernst & Young LLP(USA)
• Simon Hann,Group Executive, Education & Marketing | Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and CPA Australia (Australia)
• Irene Wiecek,Professor, Teaching Stream at University of Toronto Mississauga | CPA Canada (Canada)

Professional Accountancy Organization Development and Advisory Group

New Members

• Lamyaa AlRasheed, Partner, EY |The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (Saudi Arabia)
• Mahbub Ahmed Siddique, Chief Operating Officer, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh | The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (Bangladesh)

Returning Member

• Mkombozi Karake,Chief Executive Officer, Global Institute of Governance and Sustainability (GIGS) | Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (Rwanda)

Departing Members

• Sheree Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer, Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants | Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (Cayman Islands)
• Razak Jaiyeola, Chief Executive Officer, A.J. Silicon Tech | Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (Nigeria)

Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group

New Members

• John Bugunya, Self-Employed | Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Rwanda)
• Nametso Masuku,Finance Manager, Debswana Diamond Company | Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (Botswana)
• Michi Sasano, Representative Director and CEO, Control Solutions K.K. | Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Japan)

Returning Members

• Esther Bosch,Director Risk & Audit, Royal Schiphol Group | Royal Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants (Netherlands)
• Mike Driver, Independent Board Chair, Non-Executive Director | Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (United Kingdom)
• Lindawati Gani, Professor in Management Accounting, Universitas Indonesia| Institute of Indonesia Chartered Accountants (Indonesia)
• Muhammad Samiullah Siddiqui, Director Finance, Oxford University Press| Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (Pakistan)

Departing Members

• Ichiro Waki, Chief Executive Officer, JBA Group | Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Japan)
• Gloria Zvaravanhu, Managing Director, Old Mutual ZW | Institute of Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe)

Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group

New Members

• Renata Peppe, Senior Audit Manager, Peppe Associados Consultores & Auditores Independentes | Conselho Federal de Contabilidade and Instituto dos Auditores Independentes do Brasil(Brazil)
• Hein Vandelanotte, Partner, Vandelanotte | Institute for Tax Advisors and Accountants (Belgium)

Returning Members

• Comfort Eyitayo, Business Consultant, Comfort Olu. Eyitayo & Co| Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (Nigeria)
• Takuma Kinjo, Managing Partner, RSM Seiwa| Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Japan)
• Yan Zhao, Director of Continuing Professional Development Department, Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) | CICPA (China)

Departing Members

• Monica Stefan, Senior Audit Partner, Soter & Partners | Chamber of Financial Auditors of Romania (Romania)
• Michael Fontaine, President, MF & Associés | Compagnie Nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes and Conseil National de l'Ordre des Experts-Comptables (France)

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 with the Forum of Firms and other key stakeholders to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.