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Big Four firm EY has appointed a new leader for its financial services team in the North East of England. Mike Scoular has relocated to Newcastle to head up the 450-strong team.
The Big Four of the professional services industry have seen considerable movement at the top of their North Eastern operations in the past three years. Deloitte handed 25-year veteran employee Stephen Hall the top job at its Newcastle office in 2015, while Sandra Thompson took charge at EY in 2016, and former PwC Tax Director David Elliott was named KPMG’s Senior Office Partner in the region last year.
Now, EY has announced that Partner Mike Scoular, who heads up the firm’s managed services across the UK, will relocate to Newcastle from EY’s Edinburgh, in order to also lead EY’s North East financial services team. Scoular will look to grow the division, having been with EY for 16 years. Prior to his appointment, he qualified as a chartered accountant with then Big Five firm Arthur Andersen, in Scotland.
Commenting on his southward move, "We are growing rapidly in Newcastle because of the great local talent available. We are servicing banks and other financial institutions that are based out of London and across the country with exceptionally talented people. We are also doing so in new and innovative ways – drawing on intelligent automation and other technologies. EY recognises that our regions are important drivers of UK growth and there is a real buzz and sense of ambition amongst my fellow partners and the team here."
Sandra Thompson, Managing Partner for the Newcastle Office, added, "I’m very pleased to welcome Mike, who has been brought in to pull our rapidly growing North East Financial Services business together. He has relocated to take on this role, demonstrating EY’s recognition of the benefits of having highly experienced, senior people on the ground in this region."
The announcement comes after EY moved back into its City Gate offices in Newcastle as it bids to expand in the area. The return to the location followed an £8 million refurbishment.
Related: Deloitte promotes Stuart Cottee to Senior Partner for Yorkshire and North East.
