EY Newcastle’s head of financial services takes on managing partner role

EY has appointed Mike Scoular as the new managing partner for Newcastle with effect from April 1, 2019.

Mike takes over from Sandra Thompson, an audit partner, who is relocating to EY’s Reading office to assume responsibility for several significant new audit clients based out of the region.

Mike relocated to Newcastle from EY’s Edinburgh office last year, to head up and grow the North East Financial Services business, which works with financial institutions across the country.

Mike, who also heads up Managed Services across the UK, has been with EY for 16 years, having previously qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen in Scotland.

In his new role Mike will now oversee the 650 people based in Newcastle.

Mike Scoular, Newcastle managing partner, said: “I am thrilled to take on this role – it’s an exciting time to take the lead for Newcastle. Our practice has progressed and grown greatly in the last couple of years.

“EY recognises that our regions are important drivers of UK growth and there is a real buzz and sense of ambition amongst the team here.

“I expect the pace of change to continue to increase in the coming years. I will therefore be focused on ensuring we have the strongest possible team in place, with further senior hires and will continue to increase the diversity of our team.”

Sandra Thompson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading EY in my home region, and working with all of our great clients. Mike’s leadership will build on the progress we have made, bringing further growth to the region, and I look forward to seeing him bring his own dynamic style to the role. For me personally, I’ve decided that this is the right time for me to take on new challenges.”

Mike concluded: “I’d like to personally thank Sandra for the huge strides EY Newcastle has made during her tenure, particularly in raising our profile in the local market and for steering us all through the recent refurbishment project – no mean feat.”

The announcement follows EY’s move back into its City Gate offices in November, having invested £8m in an eight month top-to-bottom refurbishment.

EY has 65,000 sq ft of office space across two buildings at City gate on St James’ Boulevard to house its 650-strong North East team, with space to grow by at least another 300 people in the future. It is expected that much of that growth will be in Managed Services, part of EY’s Financial Services business.