Ally Scott — one of Scotland’s most prominent and well-known ‘Big Four’ advisers — takes on a new role within EY as the firm’s UK and Ireland Clients and Industries Leader.
While Sue Dawe, who currently leads EY’s Scottish financial services business, and is chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), has been appointed EY’s Scotland Managing Partner, with responsibility for the leadership and direction of the entire EY business across the country.
Ally Scott, who has spoken at several The Business Deals and Dealmaking events, is expected to maintain his close connections to the market and clients through his M&A work and EY Entrepreneur of the Year roles at the firm.
Under Scott’s leadership, EY Scotland experienced unprecedented double-digit percentage revenue increases year on year, established a burgeoning private & mid-market platform, and secured significant investments in talent, technology, sector capability and office space.
EY is the largest ‘Big Four’ accountancy and advisory organisation in Scotland.
The EY team in Scotland celebrated this growth with a record number of partner appointments earlier this month, in response to enhanced client and market demand.
Sue Dawe has led Scotland’s financial services business locally since 2016 during which time the team grown from 120 to 420 professionals across audit, tax, strategy and transactions and consulting.
Ally Scott’s role will focus on growth, driving client engagement and solutions, market demand and client excellence. He will remain based in Edinburgh and will continue in his role as an M&A partner, actively advising clients in the deals arena.
His new role reflects an impressive personal track record of driving growth and scaling up operations in several leadership roles throughout his career, including in financial services, prior to joining EY in 2016 from Barclays corporate banking. He began his career with Royal Bank of Scotland.
Sue Dawe has held several senior positions in the firm, including as a member of the UK LLP Board. Alongside her SFE position, she is also the patron of Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF), and co-chair of the First Minister’s Financial Services Growth and Development Board (FiSGAD).
Anna Anthony, EY UK and Ireland Managing Partner said: “The EY business in Scotland has a proven track record for of delivering exceptional work for our clients and has built a reputation as a firm where the best talent in the market can build their careers.
“Ally has delivered fantastic results during his six-year tenure as Scotland Managing Partner and we are fortunate to continue to benefit from his expertise in his new role as UK & Ireland Clients & Industries Leader. Sue’s market reputation and credentials are second to none, and she is the ideal leader to now take our business in Scotland forward as we continue to drive value for our clients and our people.”
Ally Scott said: “It has been a privilege to lead the EY Scotland firm and witness our remarkable growth together – including celebrating many career milestones from Partner promotions to school leavers qualifying through our apprentice scheme. Together, we have built a strong foundation for the future.
“I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, from year-on-year revenue growth to the appointment of a record number of partners, solidifying our position as the largest Big Four firm in Scotland.”
He said he was look forward to joining Anna’s leadership team and continuing to advise clients on their transaction strategies in Scotland.
“EY Scotland will continue to thrive under Sue’s passionate leadership, and I am excited by the prospect of further investment and growth for us across the country.
Sue Dawe said: “It’s an exciting time in the global firm to accept the role of Scotland Managing Partner. Ally’s leadership, vision and firm-wide connectivity over the past six years has pushed EY Scotland to new heights, and I am excited to build on that as we embark on this next chapter.
“With the support of our outstanding partner team, I am confident that we can continue to enhance our services and deliver exceptional value to clients. I’m also eager to maintain our focus on investing in talent and technology, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.
“I look forward to collaborating with our partners and teams to further strengthen our position in the market.”
EY is a global organisation with separate entities or member firms that are part of Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee. The UK firm Ernst & Young LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales. Ernst & Young LLP is a multi-disciplinary practice and is authorised and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority and other regulators.
