Our Board and Industry Leads

Fazeela Gopalani, an accomplished FCCA member with over 2 decades of experience in accounting and finance, currently serves as a Partner at EY, where she leads the EY Academy for the MENA region. Her focus lies in developing comprehensive talent development programs aimed at upskilling organisations and equipping future leaders with essential expertise across areas such as finance, accounting, leadership, AI, and sustainability. With a vision closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Gopalani is committed to supporting the Kingdom's transformational goals by fostering a workforce ready to lead in key sectors.

Before EY, Fazeela held significant roles in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), beginning as Head of Education before advancing to Head of ACCA for Eurasia and the Middle East. In these roles, she managed operations across 22 countries and represented a vibrant community of 35,000 students and members and led the development of the global accountancy profession.

Fazeela started her career in the UK where she managed and owned an accounting practice providing professional financial services to a variety of clients and when she moved to the UAE more than 15 years ago she was a Senior Manager at PwC in Dubai.

Fazeela’s leadership extends beyond the corporate sphere, contributing to various public sector initiatives in the UAE. She has encouraged and mentored numerous nationals across the GCC to pursue ACCA certifications, championing the integration of women in senior management positions. This aligns with her support of gender parity, an achievement the UAE proudly holds by being one of the few nations globally to have equal male and female representation in its government cabinet.

She has also made her mark as a board member and finance director in various key organisations, including King’s School Al Barsha, the University of Birmingham, LANA Technology, and the Sparkle Foundation, which focuses on aiding underprivileged children in Malawi.

Recently named one of Forbes Middle East's "100 Most Powerful Businesswomen" for 2023 and 2024, Fazeela Gopalani remains a driving force in shaping future leaders, committed to building sustainable economies through education and professional development. Her contributions have not only impacted corporate and educational landscapes but continue to align with national visions across the region, making her a powerful advocate for progress and empowerment.

Her initiatives in these regions exemplified her dedication to fostering a strong global accountancy profession, emphasising the empowerment of professionals at all levels, with a distinct focus on advancing women into leadership positions