The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has announced the promotion of two senior staff who lead its Quality and Member Relations initiatives focused on enhancing the capacity of the profession and addressing the needs of audit practices around the world.
The appointments are:
- Russell A. Guthrie, CPA, to the position of Executive Director - Quality and Member Relations; and
- Sylvia Barrett, CA, to the position of Director - Quality and Member Relations.
Mr. Guthrie and Ms. Barrett will focus on IFAC's initiatives supporting global practice quality and the role of IFAC's member bodies, which are professional accountancy organizations. IFAC plans to continue to address emerging issues facing practitioners and to further increase opportunities for collaboration with key stakeholders, including development agencies.
Russell Guthrie appointed to Executive Director - Quality and Member Relations
In his new position, Mr. Guthrie, who joined IFAC in March 2001, will have a prominent role in the IFAC Management Team and lead the strategy for the Quality and Member Relations initiatives. His key areas of focus will be stakeholder relations, the continued implementation of the Member Body Compliance Program, and enhancing IFAC's efforts to support the growth of the accountancy profession in developing and emerging economies.
"Promotion to the role of Executive Director recognizes the broad range of Russell's responsibilities," states Ian Ball, IFAC Chief Executive Officer. "His extensive experience within IFAC and the global profession ideally positions him to lead IFAC's quality initiatives as well as develop and maintain positive relationships with external groups and stakeholders."
Sylvia Barrett appointed to Director - Quality and Member Relations
Ms. Barrett will utilize her knowledge about the roles and needs of professional accountants and her experience in implementing strategic programs to advance IFAC's activities for small and medium practices, transnational audit practices, and the adoption, translation, and implementation of global standards. Ms. Barrett first joined IFAC in April 2002, as a Technical Manager with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). In her current position as Deputy Director of Member Body Development, Ms. Barrett supports IFAC's Member Body Compliance Program, Developing Nations Committee, and is currently acting as head of the Communications Department.
"Sylvia not only has made significant contributions to IFAC's success over the past several years, but she also has extensive knowledge of the challenges facing the global accountancy profession," notes Mr. Ball. "Sylvia's promotion to Director and to the IFAC Management Team reflects the expansion of her job responsibilities and the important role she will play in advancing the next phase of key IFAC programs." Ms. Barrett will transition into her new position and responsibilities during the second quarter of 2010.
About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org) is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 159 members and associates in 124 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.