EY Appoints Kelly Grier as U.S. Chair and Managing Partner

Big Four consultancy EY has announced the appointment of Kelly Grier to the posts of EY US Chairman and Managing Partner-Elect and EY Americas Area Managing Partner-Elect, with her term commencing 1 July 2018.

In her new role, Grier will lead the EY US firm and the EY Americas geographic area, which represents more than US$14.5b in combined revenues and more than 71,500 people in member firms in 31 countries. She will also join the EY Global Executive committee.

Grier will succeed Steve Howe, who has served as EY US Chairman and Managing Partner, and EY Americas Area Managing Partner since 2006, and is retiring from EY on December 31, 2018 after an eminent 36-year career with the organization. Steve has been a prominent leader in governance and regulatory matters affecting the profession and capital markets.

Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, says:

“The Americas is our largest market, and its strong foundation comes from our shared culture and purpose of building a better working world. Kelly has demonstrated uncompromised integrity and an ability to manage high-performing teams, while delivering exceptional results for EY clients. I look forward to working closely with Kelly and her team as we continue to execute our strategy and grow the Americas area.

“Steve’s focus on the important role we play in the capital markets, his commitment to high quality service to clients and his emphasis on increasing diversity over his 36 year career has helped transform our organization. He has left a lasting legacy for future leaders to build on.”

Kelly is currently the Regional Managing Partner for the US Central Region, where she is focused on driving market leadership and growth, providing exceptional client service and creating high-performing teams. During her tenure with EY, she served many of the largest EY audit and advisory clients helping them to transform and grow. Kelly also brings global experience having worked in Germany and Switzerland and has held a variety of roles including EY Americas Vice Chair – Talent and Chicago Office Managing Partner.

Steve Howe shared: “Kelly is an extraordinary leader who has skillfully run one of our largest regions, and brings a depth of experience across client service, the boardroom and our talent function. During her 27-year tenure at EY, Kelly has served many top EY clients and is known for driving innovation and growth through exceptional client service. She is passionate about EY’s values and culture, has developed high-performance teams and has proven to be an agile and effective leader who is well-suited to lead in this time of unprecedented change and opportunity.”

Kelly, originally from Avon, Minnesota, has a BA in Accounting from Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame, Indiana and previously served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She was recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader. Kelly was also recognized as the Anti-Defamation League’s Woman of Achievement.

Kelly says, “It is an exciting time to lead an innovative, dynamic and fast-paced organization with an unrelenting focus on helping clients solve their toughest challenges and realize their greatest ambitions.”

Kelly shared that she is humbled and honored to succeed Steve. “Under Steve’s leadership, EY in the Americas has incredible momentum in executing its strategy and is posting market-leading results across growth, talent, brand and relationships. EY people come to work every day excited to solve clients’ challenges and to make a difference. We will seize the opportunities of our changing world, realizing our bright future and building on our purpose and the great strength of the EY culture.”

Outside of the office, Kelly enjoys running, playing golf and traveling with her husband, John and son Jack.