EY announces four senior appointments

EY has announced four senior appointments in the UK including the revelation that it has split its head of assurance and audit role.

Benoit Laclau has been named as the EY UK&I managing partner for consulting; Jeff Soar as UK&I managing partner for tax; Kath Barrow as UK&I managing partner for assurance; and Andrew Walton as UK head of audit. The appointments will be effective from 1 July.

Laclau and Soar succeed Stephen Lambert and Jason Lester respectively who have stood down due to ongoing health challenges but remain as partners at the firm.

Walton and Barrow take over from Hywel Ball, who will assume his position of UK chairman and UK&I regional managing partner. The firm revealed that the roles of UK&I managing partner of assurance and UK head of audit have been split in “recognition of the societal importance of these functions and to ensure that audit quality continues to receive dedicated focus”.

EY said that as UK head of audit, Walton wil also sit on its UK board.

Hywel Ball, EY UK chairman and UK&I regional managing partner, said: “Covid-19 and an uncertain economic environment will create new challenges for many businesses across the UK and globally. I’m confident these new appointments will equip EY to navigate these conditions and best advise our clients over the months and years ahead.

“Benoit, Jeff and Kath will provide the depth and breadth of experience needed to guide and develop our people, serve our clients and stakeholders, and position us for long-term sustainable growth. Audit quality is a key priority for EY and Andrew brings 29 years of audit experience which will ensure this this continues to be a key area of focus for us.”