Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, a district society of Chartered Accountants Ireland and the representative body for more than 5,900 chartered accountants in Northern Ireland, has elected Angela Craigan as its new chair at the organisation's 119th annual general meeting, succeeding immediate past chair Mark Lawther.

The Irish News reported that Craigan, who is Co Down-born and has worked with Belfast firm HM Chartered Accountants for the past 24 years, is a partner in audit and advisory at the firm and has committed to championing members and member firms across Northern Ireland as "Difference Makers" having a significant impact on both the local economy and wider society.

Addressing the AGM, Craigan said: "We know that Northern Ireland punches well above its weight, and that resilience and determination are part of who we are. Behind many local success stories, you'll find a chartered accountant helping to make things happen. Helping businesses to grow, making organisations succeed, creating opportunities and helping communities to thrive. I want to celebrate the difference that our members are making every day with their clients, with their organisations, and in the local community."

Craigan also used her address to set out a broader economic vision for Northern Ireland, highlighting the role that chartered accountants play across the private, public, and voluntary sectors as trusted professionals who help organisations and communities to move forward.

She added: "We believe in Northern Ireland's potential as a place to invest and grow. We want to see a bold and credible economic strategy which helps the region become a real success story."

Chartered Accountants Ulster Society is a district society of Chartered Accountants Ireland, the largest and oldest professional body of accountants on the island of Ireland, founded in 1888 and with almost 40,000 members across the island and internationally.

The election positions the Ulster Society to strengthen its advocacy role at a time of sustained focus on economic development, investment attraction, and the future of professional services in Northern Ireland.

View the full details on Angela Craigan's election as chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society.