Ryan Squires to lead EY’s office in Southampton

Following the retirement of long-standing leader Dave Hales, EY has installed a new office leader for Southampton. Ryan Squires takes on the role, having spent 20 years with the firm.

Ryan is committed to continuing the legacy left by his predecessor, emphasising, "I’m excited to be carrying on Dave’s work by ensuring the Southampton office is the best place to work for our people, while continuing to deliver exceptional results for our clients."

EY’s Southampton office is home to more than 180 professionals, including nine partners. Squires joined the office in 2004, and rose to the rank of partner in its audit wing by 2019. In that time, he has worked with a broad range of listed and private multinational companies, headquartered across the South of England, and also brings international experience from secondments to the US and Australia.

Commenting on Hale’s past efforts, Squires added, "I’m delighted to have been passed the baton by Dave who has had a hugely positive impact on the office during his tenure. He has been instrumental in advancing the office’s diversity and inclusion agenda and has made a concerted effort to connect with all our staff; from being visibly present and approachable in the office to organising a variety of charitable events for different causes. Under his leadership, the Southampton office has grown from strength to strength." 

Hale joined EY in 1986 as graduate in EY’s Reading office. In the 38 years since, he has worked with a broad range of private and publicly owned companies in the UK and US.

Speaking on his retirement Hales noted, “I have had an amazing 38 years with EY, having worked in our Reading, Birmingham, Alabama and Southampton offices. The best part of my role has been working with a diverse and global team – I am always amazed by the breadth of skills and experience that our people bring to their job. I am delighted that Ryan is taking over as office managing partner – he is a true advocate for the region.”