EY confirms appointment of new Midlands’ managing partner
The managing partner for EY in the Midlands has stepped down after seven years in post.
Sara Fowler succeeded Ronnie Bowker in 2010 but has now relinquished the role.
Succeeding her is Simon O’Neill, whose appointment is with immediate effect.
Mr O’Neill is based in the Midlands and has been with EY in the UK and US for 21 years, having joined at graduate level in the Birmingham office.
An audit partner for 11 years, he has significant experience leading audits of multinational clients in the FTSE100 and FTSE250 in a number of different sectors in the Midlands and wider UK. Mr O’Neill also spent three years as part of the UK&I Assurance Leadership team when he managed UK&I-wide operations and finance for EY’s Assurance business.
He said: “I am thrilled to take on this role leading EY’s Midlands practice at what is an exciting time for region. The current economic and political environment as we head towards leaving the European Union will create opportunities as well as challenges, but I’m confident that with the implementation of the Midlands Engine strategy, the region will continue to be a great place for businesses to invest and grow.
“I look forward to working closely with our clients in the Midlands to help them take advantage of these opportunities, building on the excellent work Sara has done in growing the regional practice.
“Looking ahead, I expect the pace of change to accelerate in the coming years as the rise of digital continues to impact how all businesses operate. I will therefore be focused on ensuring we have the strongest possible team in place, with further senior promotes and hires as we continue to increase the diversity of our team.”
Sara Fowler said: “It has been a privilege to lead EY’s Midlands practice over the past seven years and a pleasure to work with our great clients and the fantastic business community here. Simon’s leadership will build on this and I look forward to seeing him bring his own dynamic style to the role. For me personally, I’ll be continuing in my role as a partner in EY’s Fraud Investigation and Dispute Services (FIDS) practice.”
Debbie O’Hanlon, National Markets Leader at EY, added: “Simon is an excellent choice to lead EY’s business and team in the Midlands. He brings extensive knowledge of the local market and the experience and determination to help the region grow and succeed. I’m excited about EY’s expansion ambitions across the region under Simon’s leadership.”
EY employs more than 900 people at its Birmingham office at No. 1 Colmore Square.
Pictured from left: Steve Varley, EY Chairman and UK&I Managing Partner, Simon O’Neill, Managing Partner at EY in the Midlands and Debbie O’Hanlon, National Markets Leader at EY.
