Professional services giant EY has appointed Hilary Heap as managing partner for its Manchester office and market leader for the North.
She will take over from Stephen Church, who will transition into the role of UK and Ireland private and mid-market leader at the firm.
Originally from Preston, Heap has 30 years of experience in professional services and joined EY in 2016 before being promoted to partner in the summer of 2017.
Most recently, she was the firm’s strategy and transactions leader for the North of England.
Church’s new position will see him continue to work with colleagues and clients in the North of England and across the wider UK market.
He takes on the role after leading EY North since 2020.
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“I am delighted and humbled in equal measure to have been given the opportunity to lead EY’s North business,” said Heap.
“Stephen has done a remarkable job over the last five years in leading our North practice and I’m looking forward to working with our people to build on this success going forward.”
Church added: “I have absolutely loved my time as EY’s North market leader and Manchester Office managing partner, and I am very proud of all we have accomplished in the region over the last five years, particularly how we navigated the pandemic and the growth we have achieved together across the North.
“Hilary is a wonderful appointment, who brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and relationships to the role. I have every confidence that she will continue to be an excellent ambassador for our business, ensuring that EY remains a great place for our people to build their careers.”
EY has offices in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool, and a team of over 2,000 people across the North.