Laura Forzani appointed as IFRS Foundation Managing Director

The Trustees of the IFRS Foundation have announced the appointment of Laura Forzani as Managing Director of the IFRS Foundation, effective 1 September 2026.

An experienced leader, former Partner and Chief Operating Officer at KPMG UK, Ms Forzani brings more than 25 years of strategic, commercial and operational expertise from both the public and private sectors, where she has led shared teams that deliver high levels of service to multiple business units. In addition to her executive career, Ms Forzani has held a range of non-executive and governance positions supporting organisations focused on public benefit and commercial excellence.

Reporting to the Chair of the Trustees, the Managing Director is responsible for management of the IFRS Foundation and its staff, and for implementing and delivering the Foundation’s mission. The role includes supporting the Foundation's governance, funding and operational priorities while working closely with the leadership of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

Ms Forzani succeeds Michel Madelain, who during his two-year term as Managing Director led a substantial transformation programme to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Foundation’s activities and operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Erkki Liikanen, Chair of the IFRS Foundation Trustees, said:

I am delighted to welcome Laura Forzani as Managing Director of the IFRS Foundation. Laura brings a strong combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence and experience leading complex organisations through periods of growth and transformation. Her experience building high-performing organisations will be invaluable as the Foundation continues to strengthen its capabilities and deliver on its strategic priorities.

I also thank Michel Madelain for the last two years serving as Managing Director and beforehand as a Trustee of the IFRS Foundation and Chair of the Nominating Committee. His many contributions leave the Foundation well placed for the future.

Laura Forzani said:

I am excited to join the IFRS Foundation at such an important point in its development. The Foundation plays a unique role in supporting transparency, accountability and efficiency in global capital markets through high-quality reporting standards. I look forward to leading the operations of the Foundation as it delivers this important work.