Image
On June 25, 2026, IFAC CEO Lee White attended the 16th Annual International Accounting Forum & Awards at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, a flagship event celebrating the accountancy profession. The day began with the conference, where Lee delivered a keynote on the defining forces shaping the profession's future.
Later that evening, Lee was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Accounting Profession award in recognition of his leadership in strengthening the global accountancy profession, fostering international collaboration, and his lifelong commitment to public interest. Presented annually, the award honors individuals whose leadership has made a lasting contribution to the profession, business, and society. The recognition reflects not only Lee's leadership, but also IFAC's role in supporting the accountancy profession during a period of significant transformation.
Lee was joined at the ceremony by IFAC President Jean Bouquot, members of the IFAC community, key stakeholders, and IFAC colleague Michelle Cardwell. In accepting the honor, he emphasized that it also reflected the shared commitment of IFAC’s staff, member organizations, volunteers, and partners, who work each day to advance the profession in the public interest.
Lee is IFAC’s CEO at a time of considerable change. Advancements in technology, sustainability, and evolving public expectations are reshaping what it means to be an accountant. Under his leadership, IFAC has focused on helping professional accountants respond to these developments while continuing to provide trust, stability, and sound judgment that are especially important during uncertain times.
In his keynote, Lee reflected on both the challenges and opportunities ahead: “The forces reshaping our world are also reshaping our profession. By championing global standards, embracing AI responsibly, attracting the next generation of talent, and helping organizations become more sustainable, professional accountants will continue to earn trust and create value in an increasingly complex world.”
A defining feature of Lee’s tenure has been his commitment to making IFAC a truly global, member-centric organization. Across regions and cultures, IFAC brings together professional accountancy organizations, regulators, educators, firms, and policymakers to advance shared priorities and deliver greater value to its members. This approach reflects IFAC’s motto, “Better Together,” and the belief that the profession can only be strong when its global community works toward common goals.
During his tenure, IFAC has supported collaboration on ethical leadership, digital readiness, high-quality assurance, sustainability reporting, and the skills accountants will need in the future. In addition, IFAC is helping its members navigate change by advancing global standards, encouraging the responsible use of AI, attracting new talent, strengthening capacity, and promoting greater international alignment.
The "Outstanding Contribution to the Accounting Profession" award celebrates Lee's career-long commitment to strengthening the profession through collaboration, integrity, and service in public interest. It also recognizes the collective efforts of IFAC's global community and the enduring importance of a strong, trusted profession in meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead.
