‘Big Four’ accountancy firm EY is reportedly set to name its head of audit, Hywel Ball, as its new UK managing partner.
According to Sky News, Ball – who has been at the company for over 35 years – has been identified as the man to replace Steve Varley ahead of fellow shortlisted contenders Steve Wilkinson, senior client partner, oil and gas who manages the relationship with BP, Lynn Rattigan, UK chief operating officer and Alison Kay, chairwoman of the global accounts committee.
Julie Teigland, EY’s Europe, Middle East and Asia managing partner, is understood to have made the final decision to appoint Ball.
The decision comes after Varley announced his new position as global vice chair for sustainability.
His new role, which will begin on 1 July, sees Varley maintain his position as chairman of EY UK, but relinquish his position of managing partner for the firm.
Varley will now be responsible for developing and implementing sustainable practices across the firm, and report to EY’s global chair and chief executive, Carmine Di Sibio.
EY has been contacted for comment.
