Reading: EY announces new office managing partner

Richard Baker has been appointed office managing partner in EY’s Reading office, leading the firm’s regional practice across the Thames Valley and South Coast.

Baker joined EY in 1998 and has been a partner for 11 years, with his previous role being global client service partner for FTSE 100 clients, primarily in the telecoms and media-related sectors. 

He brings an in-depth understanding of the full breadth of EY’s service offerings and capabilities along with an excellent network across the firm. He replaces Neil Hutt who stepped down from the role to focus on his client-facing role as head of the firm’s transaction services team for the telecoms, media and technology industries.  

Baker commented: “Reading and the Thames Valley continues to be a thriving and economically-prosperous region, with UK-leading growth forecasts for the coming years. At EY, we are committed to working with our clients and broader business stakeholders across the wider region to benefit the economy, businesses and our local communities.

“It’s also a great time to join EY’s Reading practice, which has seen strong performance throughout 2015 and has significant momentum following market-leading growth across the UK firm. We serve a wide range of clients in Reading, from fast-growing entrepreneurial start-ups through to large privately-owned, FTSE 350 companies and some of the world’s leading multi-national companies. Our teams have particular strengths in technology, telecoms, life sciences and aerospace and defence – sectors all in demand across the Thames Valley.”

Debbie O’Hanlon, national markets leader at EY, commented: “Richard’s experience advising global organisations, his ability to build strong client relationships and his proven leadership skills will be vital in broadening our service offering, and supporting our expansion ambitions in the Thames Valley.”

A year of investment

The past 12 months have been a year of investment for EY in the Thames Valley, with a number of senior appointments, including Baker as office managing partner, Sarah Lavan as a tax partner from Deloitte, and the appointment of eight new executive directors.

The firm also employed 42 new graduates in the Reading office and welcomed fourteen 16-17 year olds on a six-week paid internship over the summer. 

EY now employs over 570 people at its Apex Plaza office in Reading – an 11% increase in headcount over the past 12 months – and has 22 partners based in the firm’s Reading office.