Ayla Majid, a renowned leader in sustainability and energy transition, has made history by becoming the first South Asian and Muslim president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a global accountancy body.
During her year-long tenure, Majid will lead over 252,500 ACCA members and 526,000 aspiring members across 180 countries. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for diversity and inclusion in the accountancy profession.
Majid, the founder and CEO of Planetive Middle East and Planetive Pakistan, has over two decades of experience in energy, transaction advisory, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance. She holds an MBA from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London.
Speaking to Arab News, Majid expressed gratitude and pride:
“This is not just a personal achievement but a meaningful moment for many who see themselves reflected in this milestone. Breaking barriers reflects ACCA’s values of inclusion and diversity.”
Majid highlighted the rapid evolution of the global accounting profession, driven by sustainability challenges, digital transformation, and new regulatory demands.
“The profession must stay relevant in addressing issues such as climate change and economic inequality,” she said.
Her vision for ACCA emphasizes advocacy on global challenges, preparing accountants for leadership roles in sustainability, digital innovation, and strategic governance.
Majid aims to foster collaboration and inclusion, ensuring ACCA remains a “catalyst for positive change” by addressing global agendas such as climate action and economic resilience.
“Through global partnerships and advocacy, we can shape a future where accountants lead with purpose and impact,” she concluded.
Majid’s groundbreaking achievement serves as an inspiration and underscores the growing recognition of South Asian leaders on the global stage.
