caba appoints Roger Merchant as new Chair ahead of landmark 140th anniversary
caba, the chartered accountants’ benevolent association, has appointed Roger Merchant as its new Chair. Roger, a Chartered Accountant and ICAEW Council member, has worked closely with caba over the past five years. He takes up the role on 17 September, bringing both professional expertise and a deep commitment to supporting accountants and their families through hardship and poor health.
For nearly 140 years, caba has been a constant source of care and guidance for the ICAEW community. From life’s everyday pressures to its toughest challenges, standing beside members, ACA students and their families, wherever they are in the world. With caring professionals and practical tools, from counselling and financial grants to neurodiversity assessments, career coaching and legal advice, caba is here to help people find strength and overcome obstacles.
Roger’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as caba prepares to celebrate its 140th anniversary in March 2026. This milestone will mark almost a century and a half of helping accountants and their families through times of financial difficulty and health challenges.
Roger Merchant said: “I’ve seen first-hand, as a trustee of caba, the real difference we can make in people’s lives. I’m honoured to become Chair and to help build on our charity’s long history of supporting the ICAEW community. As we approach our 140th anniversary, my focus is on ensuring we continue to offer expert, compassionate help whenever it’s needed most.”
“On behalf of the Board and everyone at caba, I also want to thank Ken Coppock for his outstanding leadership and commitment over the past years. His steady guidance and deep care for our community have strengthened caba and positioned us for the future. I’m honoured to follow in his footsteps and look forward to building on the strong foundation he has helped create.”
Cristian Holmes, CEO of caba, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Roger as Chair. His extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue providing life-changing
support to thousands of accountants and their families each year. Last year alone, caba helped over 5,000 people, with a further 40,000 accessing our online resources. Roger’s leadership comes at an important time; our new strategy indicates our commitment to strengthening the impactful support we can give.”
Derek Blair, ICAEW President, commented: “I warmly welcome Roger’s appointment as Chair of caba. The support that caba provides is invaluable to members of the ICAEW community around the world, often at their most difficult moments. Having a respected Council member in this role strengthens the vital connection between ICAEW and caba, ensuring that together we continue to meet the needs of our profession.”