Anna Anthony makes history as first female to step into EY UK top role

Currently head of EY’s UK financial services division, Ms Anthony is responsible for over £1 billion of revenues, 250 Partners and 5,000 employees serving clients across the financial services sector, including some of the firm’s largest global clients.

She has over 25 years of experience in the financial services sector and has held a number of senior leadership roles at EY including as a country and regional tax leader and client service partner.

Her appointment follows a selection process involving input from approximately 200 of EY’s 930 UK equity partners.

In line with the UK’s FRC Audit Firm Governance Code, the roles of regional managing partner and chair will be separated going forward. Hywel Ball will continue as UK chair until a separate selection process for this position has been completed early in the new year.

Ms Anthony said: “I am incredibly proud to be taking on this role and to have the opportunity to lead the firm that I joined more than 20 years ago.

“Leading a business of our size, scale and influence is a privilege and an honour. My mission is to build on the strong foundations we have in place, to adapt and evolve to the changing needs of our clients, whilst staying true to the culture and values that lie at the heart of EY.”

Ms Anthony’s leadership appointment is the second at a Big Four firm in the UK after Mary O’Connor was briefly interim CEO at KPMG in 2021.

Mr Ball added: “Anna is an exceptional leader, with a breadth and depth of experience that makes her an excellent choice as our next regional managing partner.

“The investment decisions that we’ve taken over the last five years have created a strong platform for long-term sustainable growth and a wealth of leadership talent.

“I’m confident that, under Anna’s leadership, EY will continue to lead the market and deliver in the public interest. Anna’s understanding of client needs, combined with a passion for building an inclusive and purpose-led culture will ensure both our people and business continue to thrive.”