The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants named John Graham its next president, succeeding Simon Bittlestone, effective today.
Graham will also serve as president, as well as co-chair, of the Association of International CPAs, for a one-year term.
Graham has spent much of his career in the National Health Service in the U.K., working for a range of organizations, including the Department of Health, and has held the roles of chief finance officer and director of finance for the last 16 years. He is currently the CFO of the Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, making him the first sitting CIMA president to concurrently hold a full-time executive position within the NHS during his term.
“The world is more unpredictable and challenging than ever before. Yet, the finance and accounting profession continues to show remarkable resilience,” Graham said in a statement. “There are great opportunities arising, driven by digital transformation and the increasing demand for finance professionals who bring not just technical expertise, but critical thinking, agility and strategic insights. We must look ahead to create the future of the profession — anticipating the skills, knowledge and opportunities that will define the next generation.”
Over the next year as president, Graham will work with AICPA chair Lexy Kessler and AICPA CEO Mark Koziel on the “Finance and Accounting 2040: Rise to the Future Together” project.
He will also be engaging with members and candidates in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America to highlight the growing career opportunities in finance driven by new technologies such as artificial intelligence and fast-growing areas such as business sustainability.
“It is an honor to serve as 92nd president of CIMA and 10th co-chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, leading a global organization that fosters trust, enables opportunity and advances prosperity for people, businesses, communities, and economies worldwide,” Graham stated. “I am humbled to be elected as the president of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. I am stepping into this year with purpose and optimism and look forward to listening, connecting and shaping our future together.”
Graham has held numerous positions within the AICPA. He previously served as a member and chair of the CIMA Life Long Learning and Professional Standards Committees. He currently serves on the Membership Committee, the Exam Board and the Appointments Committees. He also chaired the CIMA Northwest England and North Wales Area Board.
