Tributes paid to former Ernst & Young senior partner

ONE of Birmingham’s most respected business figures has died after a short illness. Ronnie Bowker, former senior partner at Ernst & Young, had been suffering with cancer.

Tributes have been paid to the South African-born adviser, who was immediately adopted by the city following his arrival at the firm in 1994.

He spent two years as an audit partner at the Colmore Square firm before being promoted to the position of senior partner.

He stepped down from the role earlier this year so he could receive treatment for his illness. He died on Wednesday.

His replacement as senior partner, Sara Fowler said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Ronnie passed away after a heroic battle with cancer.

“Ronnie was a huge inspiration to all of us and showed such passion and devotion to EY in the Midlands and also to the wider arts and business community.

“Ronnie bore his illness in the same way as he lived his life with great dignity, determination and a never ending consideration for others. He will be sorely missed.   
“Our thoughts are with Ronnie’s family at this difficult time.”

She said details of the funeral arrangements, and the family’s wishes in that regard, would be announced when available.

Away from the office, he was very active in the local sports and culture sectors. He was a previous chairman of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and was a director of the Birmingham Hippodrome Trust.

He was also active in many of Birmingham’s business organisations, serving with both the CBI and Birmingham Forward. For the latter, he was a board member between 1999 and 2005 and also a former chairman of the organisation.

Another who knew him well and worked closely with him throughout his time in Birmingham, was former Birmingham Post business editor John Duckers.

He said: “It is desperately sad news, particularly coming so close to Christmas.

“Some weeks ago I took the opportunity to phone Ronnie up. We had a nice chat, he was still at that stage fighting and hoping, but the odds were always stacked against him.

“He was a lovely guy; he did a great deal for the Birmingham business community and the arts. I had loads of respect for him; indeed he was admired right across the professional community and beyond.

“Birmingham has lost a real champion.”