Historic: Ayla Majid becomes ACCA's first Pakistani president

Ayla Majid has created history as she has been appointed first-ever Pakistani and South Asian president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). 

Majid, who has extensive leadership experience in the energy, sustainability, and governance fields, will oversee more than 252,000 current members and 526,000 prospective members in 180 countries throughout her one-year term. 

The announcement represents a major development for ACCA, which has recently surpassed 250,000 members and is commemorating its 120th anniversary this year.

Ayla Majid assumes the presidency with a goal of reshaping the future of accountancy through a strategic and progressive perspective. 

Ayla Majid, the founder of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan, possesses over 20 years of expertise in energy, transaction advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

She is an acclaimed international speaker on topics including energy, decarbonisation, and climate technology, particularly in the context of emerging markets. 

In a statement, she expressed, “The accountancy profession is dynamic and evolving, and we are working to make it an exciting, purposeful career choice, embracing sustainability and social value. I look forward to updating perceptions of the profession as technology becomes a dominant player.” 

During her term, Ayla Majid intends to emphasize a renewed vision for accountancy that prioritises sustainability, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

She also highlighted the necessity of presenting the accounting profession as an appealing and meaningful career path. 

Ayla Majid’s appointment is historic for another reason: she joins two other women in prominent roles at ACCA for the first time in the organization’s history.

Deputy president Melanie Proffitt and vice-president Datuk Zaiton Mohd Hassan will collaborate with Majid, marking the first instance of all three executive positions being held by women.