After more than 10 years, Ian Ball has stepped down as chief executive officer (CEO) of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). He will continue as a principal advisor, in a volunteer capacity, representing IFAC as a member of the board and as chair of the Working Group of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).
During his tenure as CEO, IFAC’s presence, outreach, and global influence experienced remarkable growth, addressing the challenges the accountancy profession faced during a turbulent period for both the profession and the global economy. A strong and vocal proponent of transparency in government management and financial reporting, Mr. Ball also fostered the debate defining the public interest; shaped the case for, and advocated the importance of, convergence of global professional standards; and played a key role in developing the arrangements between the accountancy profession and the regulatory community for oversight of the independent standard-setting boards in auditing and assurance, ethics, and accounting education.
Mr. Ball’s accomplishments have been recognized throughout the profession. He is a recipient of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s President’s Medal and the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants’ Life Membership distinction, and he has been named a “Top 10 Influencer” by International Accounting Bulletin.
“It was a real privilege to lead IFAC during a period of great challenge and great opportunity for the global accountancy profession,” said Mr. Ball. “As integrated reporting receives more and more attention and the IIRC continues to make significant progress, I am looking forward to focusing on these new endeavors and working with the IIRC and IFAC.”
"As the CEO of IFAC during a critical time for the international profession, Ian Ball’s leadership has served as a catalyst for a decade of momentum and achievement. Thanks to Mr. Ball, as a global organization, IFAC has never been better positioned as an authoritative, highly respected voice on global economic issues,” noted Warren Allen IFAC president.
Former World Bank executive and member of the Public Interest Oversight Board Fayezul Choudhury assumed the role of IFAC chief executive officer on February 1, 2013.
About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession, dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. It is comprised of 173 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
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