EY names Alison Duncan as first woman UK chair

EY has named Alison Duncan as its next UK chair, subject to a partner vote, marking a significant governance shift and historic leadership milestone.

Duncan will become the first woman to hold the chair role at the UK firm, succeeding Hywel Ball, who is stepping down after a 40-year tenure at the Big Four firm.

The move comes as EY formally separates the roles of chair and managing partner in line with the Financial Reporting Council’s Audit Firm Governance Code.

Anna Anthony, appointed UK & Ireland regional managing partner in January, will now work alongside Duncan, placing two senior women in the firm’s top UK leadership roles for the first time.

Duncan’s appointment follows a formal nomination process led by a specially constituted committee. That same committee will recommend members of the LLP board, including the chair, for a vote by UK equity partners before the end of June.

As UK chair, Duncan will lead the board and provide independent oversight, ensuring effective engagement with the firm’s management and alignment with EY’s public interest responsibilities.

“It is truly an honour and a privilege to have been selected for this role,” Duncan said in a statement.

“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 has been with EY since joining as a graduate in 1992. She trained as a chartered accountant and became a partner more than 20 years ago. She currently serves as UK head of regulatory and public policy and sits on the UK LLP board, chairing the audit committee.

Duncan’s client work includes experience with FTSE 100 companies and international engagements in Asia, the UK, and the US.

Anna Anthony welcomed the appointment: “With more than 30 years of experience, Alison brings a wealth of knowledge and will provide the skills, challenge and oversight needed as we continue to grow and evolve in a rapidly changing macro-economic environment.”

Hywel Ball, who has led the UK firm since 2019, said the transition marked a key moment for EY’s next chapter.

“It has been an honour to lead this incredible organisation… I’m proud to be handing over the baton to leaders who will continue to drive the next stage of EY’s evolution as a firm,” he said.