The firm has successfully wooed former partner and ex-BAA finance director to take up the position of vice chairman, a move trailed by Accountancy Age last month.

Ewing will lead the FD agenda, which focuses on a broad range of financial, consulting and advisory services catering specifically for the FDs of larger companies.

Ewing said that she was ‘very excited’ about joining Deloitte and looked forward to her new role.

‘It is a new challenge and an exciting new role. I think John [Connolly] saw an opportunity in the market. It’s also going to be an international role,’ she said.

Ewing turned down several offers – ranging from plc to private equity-backed roles and other firms. ‘Deloitte as a firm, and John as its leader, were heavily influential in my decision. I’ve learned so much in corporate life and it has enabled me to see how advisers can provide a better service,’ she said.

She joins Deloitte on 1 February. Ewing was a Deloitte corporate finance partner for many years before going into industry.