Saica Welcomes First Female CEO, Patricia Stock, in Time for Women's Month

With Patricia Stock CA(SA) being named as its new Chief Executive Officer, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica), a preeminent professional organisation, has announced a historic shift in leadership. With this historic choice, Saica will have its first female CEO beginning on December 1st, 2023. Due to the announcement falling during Women's Month, there is an extra reason to celebrate this achievement.

The coming of Patricia is more than simply a show of support. She brings a lot of credentials and experience to the position, having previously worked as a chartered accountant and holding a master's degree in international accounting from the University of Johannesburg. She has accumulated more than 14 years of operational, senior management, and executive experience throughout her career, showcasing her seasoned leadership skills.

Patricia has successfully served in a number of governance and leadership posts during her career. Her experience in strategy creation, risk management, compliance, governance, and relationship management has been enhanced by her previous employment as Audit Director and Partner at BDO SA, responsibilities within the Auditor General of South Africa, and her stint as a Saica Board member. These attributes perfectly complement Saica's strategic objectives for development and transformation of the accounting profession.

Currently serving as the CEO of MGI RAS (Group), Patricia is responsible for a wide range of services, including financial management, audit quality assurance review, transformation advising, and governance consulting. Her professional decisions and achievements demonstrate her dedication to fostering good change in both the financial industry and society at large.

"I am grateful, honoured, and eager to take on the position of CEO at Saica. I've always thought that those who work in finance and audit had the power to influence progress both inside our businesses and in society as a whole. I can't wait to promote quality, innovation, and change with the tenacious Saica team. I honestly think that if we work together to empower our staff, members, and associates, we can all be the difference-makers that the world needs!" Patricia exclaimed with passion.

The Saica Board Chair, Vincent Motholo, expressed his enthusiasm for this pivotal appointment. "We are excited to welcome Saica's first Black female CEO, who offers a unique combination of knowledge, insight, and revolutionary leadership. Her track record of making an impact in the finance, audit, and larger business environment is in line with our goal of making Saica a premier worldwide professional body.

Vincent emphasised Patricia’s modern business savvy, strategic thinking, enthusiasm for people, and dedication to the profession's advancement as reasons for his trust in her capacity to achieve Saica's strategic objective.

Saica also used the occasion to express its thanks to Mr. Freeman Nomvalo, the organization's departing CEO, for his major contributions to both Saica and the industry at large. Vincent stated, "He has been a real difference maker and Saica wishes him all the success in his next chapter."

There is excitement and expectation as Saica welcomes in this new era under Patricia Stock's leadership because of the benefits she will bring to the institute and the larger accountancy profession. Saica is well-positioned to embrace development, innovation, and change in the years to come because to her breadth of expertise and strategic vision.