New members of the Europe Regional Engagement Group were also announced to provide insights into the region’s profession and shape the Association’s global strategic plan
18 June 2025, Warsaw – The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) announced today that John Graham, FCMA, CGMA, has been elected as the 92nd President of the Institute. He will also serve as 10th Co-Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), the global alliance formed by AICPA and CIMA.
John has spent a large part of his career in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, working for a range of NHS organisations, including the Department of Health, and has held Chief Finance Officer and Director of Finance roles for the last sixteen years. He is currently Chief Finance Officer – Tameside and Glossop IC NHS FT & Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Deputy Chief Executive – Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
He is the first sitting CIMA President to concurrently hold a full-time executive position within the NHS during his term.
During his year as CIMA President, John will be working alongside Association Chair, Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, and Association CEO, Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, to chart a forward-looking path for the profession through its Finance and Accounting 2040: Rise to the Future Together project.
John Graham, FCMA, CGMA, CIMA President and Co-Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, said:
“The world is more unpredictable and challenging than ever before. Yet, the finance and accounting profession continues to show remarkable resilience.
“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 twelve months, John will be engaging with members and candidates in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America to highlight the expanding career opportunities in finance driven by new technology such as artificial intelligence and fast-growing areas such as business sustainability.
Further commenting on his election, John added:
“It is an honour to serve as 92nd President of CIMA and 10th Co-Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, leading a global organisation that fosters trust, enables opportunity, and advances prosperity for people, businesses, communities, and economies worldwide.
“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.”
John became an Associate Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) in 1999 and a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA) in 2011. Over the years, he has been an active ambassador and advocate for the Institute. John has held various leadership positions with both the Institute and the Association, with an emphasis on promoting the management accounting profession and enhancing member engagement.
He has previously served as a member and Chair of both the CIMA Lifelong Learning and Professional Standards Committees, and currently serves on the Membership Committee, the Exam Board, and the Appointments Committee. John also chaired the CIMA Northwest England and North Wales Area Board and still serves as a member of the Area Board.
John lives with his wife in Liverpool, UK, and has three children. He is Chair of a School Multi-Academy Trust and a Non-Executive Director for New Directions, a leading provider of adult social care services. John also enjoys travelling and is a keen sports fan.
New Europe representatives appointed in strategic role:
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants also announced the appointment of 10 members to its European Regional Engagement Group (REG) to provide strategic insights:
- Chair: Olga Ismagilova, FCMA, CGMA – Czechia
- Vice Chair: Alix Lefort, ACMA, CGMA – Switzerland
Committee members:
- Mark Benedickter, FCMA, CGMA – Germany
- Julia Dzida, CIMA Affiliate Member – Poland
- Anna Trojanowska-Junell, ACMA, CGMA – Poland
- Savita Nandan, ACMA, CGMA – Netherlands
- Maciej Sej ACMA, CGMA – Poland
- Olga Mezhericher, FCMA, CGMA – Switzerland
- Alexander Ilkun, ACMA, CGMA – Latvia
- Iryna Bilous, ACMA, CGMA – Czechia
Olga Ismagilova, FCMA, CGMA, Europe REG’s Chair, said:
“I’m honoured to serve as Chair of the Europe Regional Engagement Group. As a long-standing advocate for the accounting and finance profession, I will continue to advance and promote the global impact of the CGMA designation with renewed inspiration.
“It is a privilege to work with such a dynamic and geographically diverse group of finance, accounting, and business professionals. Together, we strive to empower others to thrive in a world shaped by innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and constant change – and to lead with insight, integrity, and impact.
“In today’s evolving landscape, we CGMA designation holders don’t just adapt – we drive progress and long-term value creation.”
Appointments to the REG are made for a 12-month duration and responsibilities will include identifying key trends in the local markets impacting customers, stakeholders, and the profession; representing, engaging, and advocating for the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation; and providing perspective into the development of the Association’s global strategic plan as it relates to both management and public accounting.
Contributor Martyna Makiel
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