ICAEW President Malcolm Bacchus has led messages of congratulations to Michael Izza after he was named in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

“I am delighted that our former Chief Executive, Professor Michael Izza, has been appointed CBE,” he said. “His wise stewardship and inspired leadership greatly strengthened ICAEW, growing its membership and making it a professional body of truly global standing.

“He has been an outstanding ambassador for the chartered accountancy profession, building its influence in public life and more widely in society and the economy. On behalf of ICAEW’s Council, its members and students and staff, I congratulate him on this thoroughly well-deserved recognition."

Responding to the news, Michael Izza said: “I feel very honoured to have been appointed CBE by HM The King, for services to accounting, audit and sustainability.

“It was a huge privilege to represent my profession as ICAEW Chief Executive for so many years, and I am proud of what we achieved together, especially with regard to the vital role that chartered accountants will play in the transition to sustainable economies around the world.

“I would like to thank my former colleagues, ICAEW members, students and volunteers for their support and commitment.”     

Izza led ICAEW for 18 years before his retirement at the end of March. Steering the Institute through the 2008 financial crisis, navigating the COVID pandemic, and grappling with the early stages of a global tech revolution.

During his tenure as chief executive, Izza was recognised as a leading advocate for the reform of audit and corporate governance, but also as a passionate believer in the role of chartered accountants in leading the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Alongside representing the accountancy profession to politicians, policymakers and regulators, he was on the HM Treasury steering group formed after Cop 26 that created a framework for net zero transitions – a gold standard planning tool to help businesses make the changes needed for a more sustainable future.

His appointment to CBE was made in recognition of his services to audit, accountancy and sustainability in his career so far, but in his last podcast for ICAEW, Izza confirmed that his desire to use his knowledge and experience in public service was undiminished.

“The things I’m gravitating towards are sustainability, and the net zero transition, and what I can do to help with that, but also technology. I’m really interested in where technology is going to take the profession, and indeed society going forward.” he said. “Giving something back either through the government or charities also appeals to me very strongly.”

• Listen to Will accountants save the world? to hear more of Michael Izza’s reflections on his career and the future of the profession.