CA ANZ appoints new president for 2025

CA ANZ has announced Grant Ellis as its president for 2025, along with the reappointment of New Zealand vice president Julia Fink and Australian vice president Naomi Walsh.

The body noted Ellis has been elected as president based on his extensive financial career, as he spent most of his time in senior finance roles for major listed corporates.

Ellis recently retired as chief financial officer of Restaurant Brands and was awarded the Deloitte New Zealand CEO of the Year award in 2019.

Prior to his appointment as the 2025 president, Ellis was elected a fellow of CA ANZ in 2015 and was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award in 2022.

CA ANZ chair John Palermo said Ellis would bring a wealth of knowledge to his CA ANZ presidency term.

“Grant brings valuable experience to the role, having had a distinguished corporate career as a chief financial officer of a major organisation that has produced globally recognised brands familiar to many,” he said.

“Even more importantly, Grant has a deep connection with CA ANZ and our membership through his involvement with our corporate and CFFO committees, as well as being a CA ANZ Councillor and Vice President.”

Palermo also congratulated Fink and Walsh on their reappointments.

According to CA ANZ, Ellis comes from a military family and joined the New Zealand army in 1976 where he served as a commanding officer and honorary colonel of the Auckland Battalion.

Ellis currently serves as chairman of the Ranfurly Veterans’ Trust Board and was previously president of the Auckland Officers’ Club where he would continue to be a life member.

“On the 10-year anniversary of the amalgamation between the Australian and New Zealand institutes, it is fitting to have a President that served on the committee that oversaw the union, to deliver efficiencies and growth in education, advocacy and member services, and a transformed, modern digital experience,” Palermo said.

“Grant has a great rapport with our members, which has grown even stronger through his vice presidency and we look forward to his leadership in 2025.”

CA ANZ 2024 president Tinashe Kamangira was thanked for his contribution to the professional body that spanned over a 15-year period.

The body said it was imperative that the board and management system had a strong president to amplify members' voices, which Kamangira fulfilled effectively.

Palermo said Kamangira made significant contributions to the accounting profession that first began in 2009 when he was involved in the Young Chartered Accountants panel.

“Tinashe has provided us with a thoughtful and balanced perspective as president. In particular, he championed our campaign to attract more young people to the profession, not only in the boardroom, but by walking the talk in his engagement with schools and students,” he said.

“In an era of increased focus on conduct and reputation, he has consistently emphasised the importance of discipline and standards, while also highlighting the significant contributions our members make in our communities, businesses and public institutions.”

“On behalf of the board, our council and all of our members, I would like to thank Tinashe for his service and wish him and his family every success for the future.”