Ayla Majid, CEO of a firm specializing in decarbonization, sustainability, and energy transition, has made history by becoming the first South Asian and Muslim elected as president of the global accountancy body, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
Leadership Role
Majid will lead over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members of ACCA across 180 countries during her year-long term, as announced on the ACCA website.
Professional Background
Currently, Majid is the founder and CEO of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan. She brings more than 20 years of expertise in energy, transaction advisory, mergers and acquisitions, investments, and corporate governance. Majid holds a Master of Business Administration from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and a Bachelor of Law from the University of London.
A Meaningful Moment
In an email to Arab News, Majid expressed the significance of her achievement: “It’s an honor and a deeply meaningful moment, not just for me but for so many who see themselves in this achievement. Breaking these barriers reflects the values of inclusion and diversity that ACCA embodies. Personally, it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of representation.”
Evolving Profession
Majid noted that the global accounting and finance profession is rapidly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. She highlighted the importance of addressing issues like sustainability, digital transformation, and changing regulations, which are reshaping the necessary skills for accountants. “We must ensure the profession remains relevant in addressing societal challenges such as climate change and economic inequality,” she emphasized.
Focus on Skills Development
She called for ACCA to enhance its qualifications to include skills in sustainability reporting, digital transformation, and strategic leadership, positioning the organization to better respond to contemporary challenges.
Vision for the Future
Majid advocates for global collaboration and championing inclusion, stating that through such initiatives, ACCA can prepare its members to lead with purpose and impact. “My vision for ACCA is to continue being a catalyst for positive change, working alongside a diverse group of partners and collaborating on global agendas,” she said. “By strengthening our advocacy on global issues like climate action and economic resilience, we can shape a better future.”
