Since the society’s foundation (as CIDA) in 1965, the following colleagues have held the post of President; which rotates every three years during the International Congress:

• 2019-2023: Wayne Maddison, Canada
• 2016-2019: Paula Cushing, USA
• 2013–2016: Yael Lubin, Israel
• 2010–2013: Charles Griswold, USA
• 2007–2010: Nikolaj Scharff, Denmark
• 2004–2007: Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman, South Africa
• 2001–2004: Paul Selden, United Kingdom
• 1998–2001: Robert Raven, Australia
• 1995–1998: Norman Platnick, USA
• 1992–1995: Rudy Jocqué, Belgium
• 1989–1992: Volker Mahnert, Switzerland
• 1986–1989: Konrad Thaler, Austria
• 1983–1986: Peter Van Helsdingen, Netherlands
• 1980–1983: Herbert Walter Levi, USA
• 1977–1980: Paolo Tongiorgi, Italy
• 1974–1977: Lambertus Vlijm, Netherlands
• 1971–1974: Eric Duffey, United Kingdom
• 1968–1971: Roland Legendre, France
• 1965–1968: Otto Kraus, Germany
• 1963–1965: Max Vachon, France