AAT Executive team

Sarah was appointed as CEO on 1 November 2021. Sarah studied and gained AAT membership at the start of her working life, then qualified as a certified chartered accountant. Having held a number of finance roles, she moved into more general management, occupying various roles including the management of customer service operations and for the last ten years in the executive positions of Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Services Director, and Chief Executive Officer. For the last 17 years, her career activity has focused on helping talent from all backgrounds to secure rewarding careers and supporting the promotion and development of skills and qualifications.

Claire joined AAT in June 2022 as Director of Marketing and Commercial and in August 2023 took on her current role. She is accountable for ensuring AAT develops products, services and partnerships that support the success of students and members in a fast-changing profession and growing recognition of accounting technicians around the world. She has over 20 years of experience working for professional membership organisations with previous experience working in hospitality and telecoms.

Jonathan brings 15 years of experience in policy and strategy to AAT following time at ICAEW, and most recently the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), where he was responsible for implementing recommendations from the Levitt inquiry and Bichard review on governance and strategy. He is also a Non-Executive Director of Social Work England and Chair of its Policy Committee.

Olivia leads on the People strategy for AAT, which includes our workplace and culture; organisation design; reward and recognition; employee engagement and wellbeing; and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Michael joined AAT in April 2023. His responsibilities include the technology and project management services, including transformational change projects that support our Digital First strategy.

Debbie joined AAT in October 2023. She is accountable for our financial strategy, ensuring we achieve effective governance through robust financial controls and processes, and supporting our charitable and commercial arms to develop viable products and services, and secure long-term financial stability.