The prominent auditing firm EY has put together a shortlist of candidates dominated by women for the position of its new managing partner for the UK and Ireland.
On Tuesday, partners were informed that the contenders for the role to succeed Hywel Ball include Anna Anthony, who serves as the managing partner for UK financial services, Kath Barrow, the UK and Ireland assurance managing partner, and Stuart Gregory, UK and Ireland managing partner of finance and transformation.
This transition comes as the firm is separating the responsibilities of the chair and managing partner, aligning with the governance code updates from the Financial Reporting Council, the body overseeing auditing practices, as reported by Sky News.
Hywel Ball, who has had his tenure extended twice, stated in June that it was time for him to “hand on the baton” to a successor.
Sources indicate that a partner forum, consisting of a dozen elected representatives, will play a crucial role in nominating the new UK and Ireland managing partner.
A separate selection process is set to occur for appointing the chair.
In a statement, EY noted: “We have exceptional leaders across our business and have a thorough process, facilitated by our elected partner forum, for selecting the next EY UK and Ireland managing partner.”
The firm did not disclose details regarding the shortlisted candidates.
Previously, in late 2022, EY appointed Janet Truncale as its global leader. However, it is noteworthy that the UK division, the second-largest segment within its global structure, has yet to have a female chief executive. In 2023, EY reported revenues amounting to $50 billion.
Additionally, last year, the firm abandoned its plan known as Project Everest, which aimed to split the company into distinct auditing and consulting entities.