EY managing partner Sandra Thompson is moving to Reading and will be succeeded by Mike Scoular.
The head of the region’s largest accountancy practice is to leave her post.
Sandra Thompson, who has been managing partner of EY’s Newcastle office since 2016, is relocating to EY’s Reading office to assume responsibility for a number of new audit clients based elsewhere in the country.
Mike Scoular, who moved to the Newcastle office last year to head up its North East Financial Services business, takes over as managing partner, where he will oversee the 650 people based in the city.
Ms Thompson had been a prominent figure in the region’s business community during her time in Newcastle, becoming a board member on the North East LEP’s business growth board, as well as a volunteer at the city’s People’s Kitchen.
The Newcastle role had marked a homecoming of sorts for Ms Thompson, who grew up in Blyth, Northumberland, and had previously worked for fellow accountancy firms Deloitte, PwC and Grant Thornton.
She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading EY in my home region, and working with all of our great clients. Mike’s leadership will build on the progress we have made, bringing further growth to the region, and I look forward to seeing him bring his own dynamic style to the role.
EY’s operation in Newcastle has grown significantly over the last 10 years, and it invested £8m into a refurbishment of its City Gate offices last year.
The company says it has room to create another 300 jobs in Newcastle, most of which will be in its managed services division.
Mr Scoular moved to Newcastle from EY’s Edinburgh office last year. He has been with EY for 16 years, having previously qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen in Scotland.
He said: “I am thrilled to take on this role – it’s an exciting time to take the lead for Newcastle. Our practice has progressed and grown greatly in the last couple of years.
“EY recognises that our regions are important drivers of UK growth and there is a real buzz and sense of ambition amongst the team here.
“I expect the pace of change to continue to increase in the coming years. I will therefore be focused on ensuring we have the strongest possible team in place, with further senior hires and will continue to increase the diversity of our team.”
He added: “I’d like to personally thank Sandra for the huge strides EY Newcastle has made during her tenure, particularly in raising our profile in the local market and for steering us all through the recent refurbishment project – no mean feat.”
Source: Chronicle Live