Accounting major EY has named Alison Duncan as its next UK chair, taking over from Hywel Ball, who is retiring at the end of the financial year.
Duncan was chosen by a nomination committee responsible for recommending UK Board members to the Partners.
EY’s UK Equity partners will vote on the UK Board membership, including the chair, by the end of June 2025, as part of a new governance process.
Duncan’s tenure as UK chair began on 1 April 2025, stepping into a role that involves leading the UK Board and ensuring its effective collaboration with the firm’s management, as well as providing independent oversight.
This change aligns with the FRC Audit Firm Governance Code, which separates the roles of UK chair and managing partner, Anna Anthony was appointed as UK & Ireland regional managing partner in January.
Duncan has more than three decades experience at EY, including more than two decades as a partner.
Her previous roles include Global Client Service partner, lead audit partner for FTSE 100 companies, and most recently, EY UK Regulatory and Public Policy head.
Duncan said: “Having been a member of the UK LLP Board for over three years, I understand the importance of having a strong UK Chair who can provide oversight and governance of the firm.
“It is truly an honour and a privilege to have been selected for this role, and I am looking forward to working with Anna Anthony, the Board, and our wider Partner group as we continue to grow the business, serve our clients and create exceptional careers for EY people.”
Duncan also serves on the UK Board, chairs the EY UK Audit Committee, and has held governance positions such as the UK&I Regional Partner Forum deputy chair.
In February 2025, EY US collaborated with Zscaler to address network architecture challenges through cloud-delivered services.
This partnership aims to bolster organisational security frameworks and infrastructure to protect against cyber threats.
