E&Y’s Ken Williamson to stand down in June
ERNST & Young’s North West head of corporate finance Ken Williamson is to stand down from the firm in June to seek fresh opportunities in the business community.
Mr Williamson, a well-known dealmaker, has spent 25 years in the sector and since moving from his native North East has worked on a number of major regional transactions.
He has recently completed two significant deals – the buyout of Ghd Group Holdings and the sale of Radius Systems to PolyPlastic, a Russian trade buyer.
An economics graduate from Leeds University, Mr Williamson moved from Newcastle to Manchester to work for rivals Price Waterhouse and joined Ernst & Young as a partner in 1997.
During his career he has worked on projects and deals worth more than £3bn and has led the firm’s Manchester, North of England, and UK & Ireland corporate finance businesses.
He has worked on transactions with PE houses including, Montagu, LDC, CinVen, Hg and Inflexion, as well as companies like, Tata, Vent-Axia, Isle of Man Steam Packet, British Salt, Goldshield, BNFL, Miller Group, GE, Linpac, Rolls Royce and Berghaus.
Partner Tim Morris, will return to Manchester after a five year stint in London to lead the firm’s M&A team in the North West.
Mr Williamson said: “After 16 years as a partner at Ernst & Young, which has been filled with great experiences, great people and great deals, I wanted to pick the prime time to move on to fresh challenges.
“Tim, whom I have worked with for many years, is returning to Manchester, coupled with two significant deal completions this year; I am happy that now is just the right time to move on. I plan to migrate myself over to the company side of the desk and build a portfolio career.”
North West senior partner, Simon Allport added: “Ken is a highly respected dealmaker in the community, who has made a significant contribution to our UK and North West business, completing many stand out deals throughout his career.
“He is looking forward to remaining active and connected within the business community, but in a new and different capacity. He has fostered a culture within the team that will last; one that nurtures and coaches highly talented individuals.
“Tim Morris is a fine example; one of our own ‘home-grown’ partners that will be back in Manchester full time this year.”
