EY strengthens UK partnership with new Equity Partners

• New cohort includes 75 internal promotions and 45 external hires – EY’s largest ever number of new Equity Partner appointments in the UK
  
  
• 36% of new Equity Partners are women and 23% are from ethnic minority backgrounds, and two identify as Black or Mixed-Black*
   
• Strong client demand has also led to EY elevating the Associate Partner role title to Partner in the UK, bringing the total UK Partner number to 1,523

EY has continued to expand its UK partnership with the promotion of 75 Equity Partners and 45 external hires – its largest-ever cohort of Equity Partners in the UK. This builds on two years of strong growth, following the appointment of 103 Equity Partners in 2021.

The new appointments reflect the firm’s increased investment in its sectors, service lines and regional business, including in areas such as Audit, Technology Consulting, EY-Parthenon, Financial Services, Sustainability, Energy and Consumer Products.

Earlier this year, EY announced internally that it was also expanding its Partner presence to meet strong demand from its clients by elevating the Associate Partner role to Partner across some of its regions, including the UK. Combined with this year’s Equity Partner appointments, this change brings EY’s total UK Partner number to 1,523.

Using the Partner title raises the importance of the existing Associate Partner role, recognising their expertise, client delivery and leadership. It will create career opportunities for EY’s people and attract talent with the skills needed to win in an evolving market - particularly in fast-growing areas such as sustainability and technology. 

Hywel Ball, EY’s UK Chair, commented: “Our new Partner appointments reflect a significant investment in our people and business as we seek to meet growing client demand. With companies facing a convergence of challenges, from climate change and the pandemic to economic uncertainty and shifting consumer habits, we’re investing in the talent and skills needed to help our clients transform, grow and build trust with their stakeholders.

“Elevating the Associate Partner role is also a particularly special moment as we recognise the contribution of our exceptional and talented colleagues. This is a great opportunity for us and one that really underlines our commitment to our people’s careers while meeting the needs of our clients.

“Overall, today’s announcement reflects that we’re investing across all parts of our business and across all parts of the UK.”

Diverse Partnership 

As part of the firm’s commitment to accelerating its progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, EY has ambitious targets to increase the proportion of female and ethnic minority Equity Partners in its UK business to 40% female and 20% from ethnic minority backgrounds (of which 15% will be Black) by July 2025. 

This year’s new Partner appointments contribute to achieving this goal, although EY acknowledges that there is still more to do. Of the new Equity Partners* appointed this year, 36% are women, 23% are from ethnic minority backgrounds and two identify as Black.  

The total number of EY’s UK Equity Partners is currently 844 (up from 781 in FY22), consisting of 26% women and 15% from ethnic minorities of which 7% identify as Black or Mixed-Black. Both women and ethnic minority percentages are up by two percentage points from 2021. 

Overall, EY’s UK Partner population of 1,523**, stands at 27% women and 15% from ethnic minorities of which 18 Partners identify as Black or Mixed-Black. 

Hywel Ball, EY’s UK Chair, says: “Achieving our diversity goals is a business imperative and we are determined to accelerate the pace of change. We are taking action across every level of our firm with targeted measures to improve the representation of women, ethnic minorities and Black talent. Whilst I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made this year, we know there is more to do and are committed to taking the action required.”

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Notes to editors:

*Figures based on those who disclosed their ethnicity, with 11 non-disclosures

**Figures based on those who disclosed their ethnicity, with 52 non-disclosures

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