Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) West Midlands Local Network Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Gemma Jones, Partner at FRP Advisory, as Chair, and Louise Rudd, Partner at RSM Birmingham, as Deputy Chair.
Gemma and Louise both bring over 15 years of involvement with ICAEW, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to the profession and to supporting members across the region.
Their combined experience, leadership, and deep understanding of the West Midlands business landscape position them well to lead the Network into its next phase.
ICAEW is a world-leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops, and supports over 200,000 chartered accountants and students globally. It plays a key role in upholding professional standards, advancing the accountancy profession, and supporting economic growth.
In their new roles, Gemma and Louise will focus on strengthening the profile of ICAEW across the West Midlands, ensuring that the expertise and insight of its members are widely recognised by local businesses, public sector organisations, and the wider community. A central priority will be enhancing engagement with regional stakeholders and positioning ICAEW members as key contributors to the area’s economic and professional landscape.
They are also keen to ensure that members’ voices are heard more effectively. By leveraging the board’s extensive network, Gemma and Louise aim to gather meaningful feedback on both local and national issues, feed this into ICAEW decision-making, and importantly, demonstrate how member insights are influencing outcomes—helping to close the feedback loop and strengthen member engagement.
Speaking on her appointment, Gemma Jones said:
“I am passionate about ICAEW and the vital role it plays in supporting and championing our profession. I’m particularly enthusiastic about engaging more closely with members across the West Midlands—understanding their perspectives, supporting their development, and ensuring they feel connected to both the regional network and the wider organisation.”
Louise Rudd added that she is looking forward to working alongside Gemma and the board to build on the Network’s strong foundations and further enhance its impact across the region.
Together, Gemma and Louise are committed to fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking network that supports its members and contributes positively to the West Midlands business community.
ENDS
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About ICAEW
Chartered accountants are talented, ethical and committed professionals. ICAEW represents more than 211,600 members and students around the world. 81 of the top 100 global brands employ ICAEW Chartered Accountants.* 82% of FTSE 100 companies have an ICAEW member on their board.
Founded in 1880, ICAEW has a long history of serving the public interest and we continue to work with governments, regulators and business leaders globally. And, as a world-leading improvement regulator, we supervise and monitor more than 11,500 firms, holding them, and all ICAEW members and students, to the highest standards of professional competency and conduct.
We promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness and we give talented professionals the skills and values they need to build resilient businesses, economies and societies, while ensuring our planet’s resources are managed sustainably.
ICAEW is working towards becoming net zero, demonstrating our commitment to tackle climate change and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13.
ICAEW is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1.8m chartered accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop and promote the role of chartered accountants as trusted business leaders, difference makers and advisers.
We believe that chartered accountancy can be a force for positive change. By sharing our insight, expertise and understanding we can help to create sustainable economies and a better future for all.
* includes parent companies. Source: ICAEW member data March 2026, Interbrand, Best Global Brands 2025.
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