Sharron Gunn qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1989. After leaving practice she worked as a financial accountant for Wates City plc before joining J Sainsbury plc in 1993. During her time at the supermarket giant Sharron held a variety of roles, including group management accountant, financial analyst, and commercial manager to the trading division.

Sharron joined ICAEW in 2001 and was appointed Executive Director a decade later. During her time with ICAEW, she has launched a successful jobs website, a leadership development programme, and a range of other support services. One of these helps members on a career break – women in particular – return to the accountancy profession.

In 2009 Sharron transformed the members’ facilities at ICAEW headquarters into the Business Centre, which is now a magnet for members. She also rebranded and launched One Moorgate Place – the institute’s venue and restaurant – which has grown into a successful independent business.

In 2016 Sharron’s role, of Executive Director Commercial and Shared Services, expanded to include the support of ICAEW’s members in the UK and internationally with her role as Executive Director Members, Commercial and Shared Services. She continues to lead on ICAEW’s digital agenda and have responsibility for Greater China.

As part of Sharron’s new role she heads up a large team responsible for a variety of income generating activities including professional development programmes, affinity partnerships and sponsorship, online recruitment and One Moorgate Place. The department also develops new products and is a centre of excellence for digital development, event management and IP and publishing.