“I am excited and honored to be appointed CEO of the world’s largest accounting membership body. I look forward to playing a key role in leading the organization and the profession to new heights,” Koziel said.

He added, “The profession is well positioned to expand and continue to evolve the value it brings serving the public interest and addressing the challenges faced by economies, business, and society. I cannot wait to start working closely with members, candidates, volunteers, and staff to do just that and drive our great profession forward.”

Before becoming president and CEO of Allinial Global in 2020, Koziel had extensive AICPA experience. He spent 14 years with the Association, where he served in many roles, including executive vice president of firm services. He started in the profession at Lumsden McCormick, a large accounting firm in Buffalo, New York. Throughout his career, he consistently advocated for accountants and has developed a strong global understanding of the accounting and finance profession.

Koziel was chosen after what AICPA & CIMA described as an “extensive global search.”

Simon Bittlestone, CIMA president and chair of the Association, stated, “We are delighted to announce Mark as our new CEO for the Association. The appointment follows an open and extensive global search that attracted a strong pool of candidates from around the world.” 

He added, ”Mark is a dynamic, values-led leader with extensive experience and knowledge of our profession. The board looks forward to working with him in leading our members, candidates, and the profession into the 2030s and beyond.”

AICPA Chair and Co-Chair of the Association Carla McCall noted, “In a strong field of applicants, Mark was the standout candidate because of his knowledge, understanding, experience, and vision for the profession and the organization. These are transformative times for our profession. I look forward to working with Mark to seize the opportunities in front of us.”

Koziel is replacing Barry Melancon, who announced his retirement in May. Melancon joined the AICPA as CEO in 1995 at age 37, making him the youngest CEO in the organization's history. He was the longest-serving CEO since the AICPA was formed in 1887. He became CEO of the AICPA in 2017 after successfully merging the largest accounting bodies, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, to serve the public and management accounting profession globally.

Bittlestone, commenting on Melancon’s exit, said, “I would like to thank Barry Melancon ahead of his retirement for his leadership of AICPA & CIMA and lifelong commitment to advancing the accounting and finance profession–a remarkable 30 years of dedication.”

For his part, Melancon said: “Serving the profession over the last 30 years has been a great honor, and I have been fortunate to have played a part in its transformation. I am thrilled to see Mark appointed to the role, knowing his passion and vision for the profession and AICPA & CIMA. Mark will do a fantastic job.”