ICAEW.com works better with JavaScript enabled.

ICAEW boosts sustainability leadership with new hire

Author: ICAEW Insights

Published: 12 Nov 2025

ICAEW has announced the appointment of Ravi Abeywardana ACA, FRGS as Sustainability Reporting and Assurance Director as it strengthens its senior sustainability leadership capability in response to growing global demand for robust sustainability reporting and assurance.

Ravi joins the Institute later this month from the IFRS Foundation, where he most recently served as Director of Strategic Affairs and Capacity Building for the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

Ravi was a key architect of the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, leading the development of [exposure draft] IFRS S1 as ISSB Technical Director and spearheaded global capacity-building initiatives to support adoption and implementation of ISSB Standards.

In his new role, Ravi will lead ICAEW’s efforts to advance global sustainability reporting and assurance, working closely with colleagues, members, regulators and other stakeholders to influence standard setting, build market trust, forge strategic partnerships, and enhance member capabilities.

The appointment underlines ICAEW’s ongoing commitment to sustainability leadership and to supporting its members to lead with confidence on sustainability reporting and assurance.

Ravi Abeywardana ACA, FRGS has been appointed as Sustainability Reporting and Assurance Director at ICAEW

"I'm thrilled to be joining ICAEW at such a pivotal moment. I look forward to building on and strengthening its leadership in sustainability, and empowering members to confidently adopt and implement the sustainability reporting and assurance agenda that regulators require and investors and other stakeholders need," said Ravi.

“ICAEW members can and should lead on sustainability reporting and assurance, collaborating with experts where necessary. This isn't just about compliance – it's about giving businesses, investors and other stakeholders the information they need to make better decisions.

“I'm excited to work with ICAEW colleagues and members globally to help businesses across all sectors disclose and assure sustainability information with the same rigour and credibility our profession brings to financial reporting and assurance.”

ICAEW Chief Executive, Alan Vallance added: “I am delighted to welcome Ravi to the team. Sustainability is fast becoming a cornerstone of global business activity and reporting - helping to set strategy, promote investment and drive growth. 

"There has been rapid progress in sustainability disclosures and reporting requirements, and expectations continue to increase. Ravi’s skills and experience will be invaluable in helping us strengthen our influence in this market and equipping our members for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Get ahead on sustainability

You can now enrol on the Sustainability Accelerator Programme and take the next steps on your sustainability elearning journey.
Find out more Enrol now
Photograph of wind turbines on a grassy hill against a blue sky.

You may also be interested in

Guidance
Plant in lightbulb with a green forest in the background
Accounting for nature

Guidance and case studies on the financial impact of nature-related issues an how accountants can integrate nature into their work.

Read more
Hub
A butterfly with the pattern on its wings resembling the world.
ICAEW's Sustainability hub

Sustainability describes a world of thriving economies and just societies based on what nature can afford; finance professionals all have a role to play if sustainability goals are to be met.

Find out more
ICAEW support
Leaf sprouting from the ground
Training and events

Browse upcoming and on-demand ICAEW events and webinars focused on ESG and sustainability.

Events and webinars CPD courses and more