EY has appointed Hilary Heap, a Partner with 30 years of experience in professional services, as the firm’s new North Market Leader.

Hilary will also take on the Manchester Office Managing Partner role as part of her new position, taking over from Stephen Church, who has led EY North since 2020.

Originally from Preston, Hilary has worked across the North throughout her career, most recently as EY’s Strategy and Transactions Leader for the North of England. She brings a wealth of business experience and North market connections to the role having worked with a wide range of major clients in the region.

Hilary joined EY in 2016, before being promoted to Partner in the summer of 2017, and has previously led the firm’s Valuation Practice in the North of England.

EY has a strong presence in the North of England, with offices in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool, and a team of over 2,000 people across the region.

Stephen Church has been appointed as EY’s new UK&I Private and Mid-Market Leader, which will see him continue to work with colleagues and clients in the North of England and across the wider UK market.

Hilary Heap, North Market Leader at EY, said:

“I am delighted and humbled in equal measure to have been given the opportunity to lead EY’s North business. We have a dedicated and talented team of professionals right across the region, and we are continuing to grow to meet the needs of a diverse and strong client base."

“Stephen Church 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.”

Stephen Church, UK&I Private and Mid-Market Leader at EY, said:

“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.”