EY appoints next UK chair

EY has appointed Alison Duncan as its next UK chair subject to a partner vote. 

Duncan assumes the role from today (1 April), taking over from Hywel Ball who retires from the firm at the end of the financial year.

Following a comprehensive nomination process, the UK chair was selected by a specially constituted nomination committee which will also be responsible for selecting members of the UK LLP board for recommendation to the partners. 

As part of a newly agreed governance process, UK equity partners will vote on the membership of the UK board as a whole, including the UK chair, before the end of June.

As UK chair, Duncan will be responsible for leading the UK LLP board, ensuring it works effectively with the management of the firm and provides independent oversight. In line with the FRC Audit Firm Governance Code, the roles of EY UK chair and managing partner have been separated, with Anna Anthony appointed as UK and Ireland regional managing partner in January this year.

Duncan has been with EY for over 30 years, with more than 20 served as a partner. She has been the global client service partner and lead audit partner on a number of FTSE 100 companies and is currently EY UK head of regulatory and public policy.

She is a current member of the UK LLP board and chairs the EY UK audit committee. She has previously held a number of firm governance roles including deputy chair of the UK&I regional partner forum and a member of both EY’s EMEIA advisory council and global governance council.

On her appointment, Duncan said: “Having been a member of the UK LLP board for over three years, I understand the importance of having a strong UK chair who can provide oversight and governance of the firm. It is truly an honour and a privilege to have been selected for this role, and I am looking forward to working with Anna Anthony, the board, and our wider P=partner group as we continue to grow the business, serve our clients and create exceptional careers for EY people.”

Anthony added: “With more than 30 years of experience, Alison brings a wealth of knowledge and will provide the skills, challenge and oversight needed as we continue to grow and evolve in a rapidly changing macro-economic environment.”

Hywel Ball, outgoing EY UK chair, said: “It has been an honour to lead this incredible organisation over the last five years as UK chair and I’m proud to be handing over the baton to leaders who will continue to drive the next stage of EY’s evolution as a firm. Anna and Alison are exceptional leaders who will ensure that EY continues to thrive as a business, whilst also serving the public interest.”