CA ANZ elects its first female board chair

Van Onselen said Petersen would move to step down as PARC chair to take up her new role and “focus on maintaining momentum to equip members for a future shaped by sustainability and AI”.

“On behalf of the executive team and everyone at CA ANZ, I thank John for the integrity, vision and dedication to our members that underpinned his outstanding Board leadership as we champion initiatives that elevated member engagement, reinforced sustainability and innovation, and upheld the highest standards of professional conduct,” she said.

“Whether on the Board, in meetings with members or with other professional accountancy organisations around the world, John’s sound advice, calmness and warmth was appreciated by all.”

Van Onselen added she looked forward to working with Petersen, the board and council to deliver CA ANZ’s strategy to 2030.

Outgoing chair, Palermo, said it had been a privilege to serve as chair and to work with the board, executive and council, which represented the voice of its membership body.

“With our new strategy now locked in until 2030, following the achievements of the 2020-2025 strategy, I am delighted to now hand the baton to Sarah, whose leadership, experience and commitment to our members is second to none,” Palermo said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being chair and know Sarah will continue to champion our members and the profession with integrity and focus." 

Petersen shared she was thrilled to have been elected as chair of the CA ANZ board and looked forward to stepping into the position.

“My priorities are to continue the strategic momentum created under the leadership of my predecessor John Palermo, maintain ethics and trust in our profession, and equip members for the future with practical capabilities in areas like sustainability and AI,” she said.

“I’m honoured to serve our global community of more than 140,000 members and will work closely with my exceptional board colleagues, councillors and the executive team to take our plan to 2030 forward."