MSI Global Alliance appoints Director of Member Development for EMEA

MSI Global Alliance (MSI), a leading international association of independent legal and accounting firms, has announced the appointment of Kate Holroyd Smith as Director of Member Development (EMEA).

In her role, Kate will focus on the development and quality of MSI's membership, working to strengthen member collaboration, support and growth throughout the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Kate brings a distinguished international career to MSI. She spent 20 years at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), where she held a series of senior roles developing and delivering significant international market growth and member value within professional services across Europe, Africa and Asia.

Earlier in her career, Kate spent four years at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including as Vice Consul at the British Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela.

Kate joins the MSI Secretariat on 22 June 2026 as the main point of contact for members across the EMEA region, succeeding Matthew Gimlette in the regional director role. After 10 years of dedicated service, Matthew is stepping back from this role and will remain with MSI in a consultancy capacity during the transition period, focused on internal projects.

Jeremy Beard, Director of the MSI Board, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kate to MSI. She brings a wealth of experience in international development and professional services, and we very much look forward to the contribution she will make across the EMEA region. We also want to recognise the outstanding contribution of Matthew, who has given tremendous commitment to MSI and its members over the years, and we’re delighted that he will continue to support MSI in a consultancy role.”

Commenting on her appointment, Kate Holroyd Smith said, “I am very excited to join the MSI team and to work within such a dynamic and collaborative membership of business professionals globally, I hope my experience will help to contribute to the future growth and success of MSI.”