Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) is pleased to announce Sarah Petersen FCA has been elected Chair of the CA ANZ Board, succeeding John Palermo FCA, whose term as Chair now concludes following five transformational years for the organisation.
Mr Palermo will remain as a Director on the Board until his term finishes on 31 December 2026.
Ms Petersen has been both a CA ANZ Board Director and member of the NZICA Regulatory Board since 2020, and Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee (PARC) since July 2023. She will 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.
Ainslie van Onselen, CA ANZ Chief Executive Officer, said:
"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 championed initiatives that elevated member engagement, reinforced sustainability and innovation, and upheld the highest standards of professional conduct.
“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.
“I look forward to working with Sarah, the Board and Council to deliver our strategy to 2030. Sarah’s extensive experience across public practice, not-for-profit, government, and property and infrastructure has already enriched our Board, and she steps into the Chair role with the full support of my executive team and Board Directors.”
Sarah Petersen FCA, incoming Board Chair, said:
"I am thrilled to be elected Chair as CA ANZ continues its work to prepare our profession for its transformational future.
“My priorities are to continue the strategic momentum created under the leadership of my predecessor John Palermo FCA, maintain ethics and trust in our profession, and equip members for the future with practical capabilities in areas like sustainability and AI.
“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."
John Palermo FCA, outgoing Board Chair, said:
"It has been a privilege to serve as Chair and to work with an outstanding Board, Executive and Council that strongly represents our member voice.
“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.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being Chair and know Sarah will continue to champion our members and the profession with integrity and focus."
Ms Petersen’s appointment makes her the first woman to lead the Board alongside Chief Executive Officer, Ainslie van Onselen and Naomi Walsh FCA who serves as President for 2026.
ENDS
About Sarah Petersen FCA, BMS (Hons)
Sarah Petersen has more than 20 years’ experience in finance executive roles in telecommunications and international education consultancy, having started her career in public practice at Ernst and Young. She is an experienced Non-Executive Director, with governance experience in not-for-profit, government, property and infrastructure investment and operations. Directorships of listed entities and other interests: Sarah’s other interests include Far North Holdings Limited (Chair), Far North Housing Limited (Chair), Northern Housing Limited (Chair), Bay of Islands Marina Limited (Chair) and Establishment Board for School Property Agency (Member).
About John Palermo FCA, BBus
John has more than 25 years’ experience in public practice and family office advisory, with expertise in corporate transaction execution, strategic business management and business structuring. He was previously Chair of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Public Practice Advisory Committee and the CA ANZ Western Australia Regional Council. Directorships of listed entities and other interests: Non-Executive Director of Alterra Ltd (ASX: 1AG) (retired 8 December 2023). John’s other interests include Palermo Chartered Accountants (Director), Gratia Advisory (Director), Royal Perth Hospital Research Foundation (Chair), Catholic Education Western Australia (Director and Finance Committee member) and Wesley College (Council member and Chair of the Risk and Governance Committee).
About Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand represents more than 140,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.
www.charteredaccountantsanz.com
For more information contact:
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NEW ZEALAND Daniel Webster, Public Affairs Manager New Zealand M +64 27 282 6253 daniel.webster@charteredaccountantsanz.com
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AUSTRALIA Owen Roberts, Public Affairs Specialist Australia M +61 422 644 847 owen.roberts@charteredaccountantsanz.com
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