Sue Dawe to lead EY Scotland as Ally Scott takes on UK role

Sue Dawe and Ally Scott
EY has named Sue Dawe its new Scotland managing partner, succeeding Ally Scott, who is moving to a UK-wide leadership role.
Under Mr Scott’s leadership, EY Scotland experienced sustained double-digit percentage revenue increases year on year, established a burgeoning private & mid-market platform, and secured significant investments in talent, technology, sector capability and office footprint.
The EY team in Scotland celebrated this impressive period of growth with a record number of partner appointments earlier this month, in response to enhanced client and market demand.
After six years as Scotland managing partner, Mr Scott takes up a new role within EY as the firm’s UK & Ireland Clients & Industries Leader, whilst maintaining a close connectivity to the market and clients through his M&A and EY Entrepreneur of the Year roles at the firm.
Ms Dawe, who currently leads the firm’s Scottish financial services business, becomes EY’s new Scotland managing partner, with responsibility for the leadership and direction of the entire EY business across the country.
Ms Dawe has led Scotland’s financial services business locally since 2016 during which time the team grown from 120 to an impressive 420 professionals across audit, tax, strategy and transactions and consulting. Her extensive knowledge of EY, strong leadership experience and established profile in the market make her the ideal candidate to lead EY Scotland into its next chapter of growth.
Mr Scott new role will focus on growth, driving client engagement and solutions, market demand and client excellence. Mr Ally will remain based in Edinburgh and will continue in his role as an M&A Partner, actively advising clients in the deals arena alongside his award-winning M&A team.
His new role reflects an impressive personal track record of driving growth and scaling up operations in several leadership roles throughout his career, including in financial services, prior to joining EY in 2016. He will also have an integral role collaborating across the global firm and ensuring EY clients are able to access leading insights, solutions and service levels.
In addition to her existing role at EY, Sue has held several senior positions in the firm, including as a member of the UK LLP Board. She is also the Chair of Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE), Patron of Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF), and co-chair of the First Minister’s Financial Services Growth and Development Board (FiSGAD). While continuing her responsibilities as a Financial Services Partner, Sue will focus on driving growth and collaboration across all market sectors and the entire client base within EY Scotland.
Anna Anthony, EY UK and Ireland managing partner, said: “The EY business in Scotland has a proven track record for of delivering exceptional work for our clients and has built a reputation as a firm where the best talent in the market can build their careers.
“Ally has delivered fantastic results during his six-year tenure as Scotland managing partner and we are fortunate to continue to benefit from his expertise in his new role as UK & Ireland Clients & Industries Leader.
“Sue’s market reputation and credentials are second to none, and she is the ideal leader to now take our business in Scotland forward as we continue to drive value for our clients and our people.”
Mr Scott said: “It has been a privilege to lead the EY Scotland firm and witness our remarkable growth together – including celebrating many career milestones from Partner promotions to school leavers qualifying through our apprentice scheme. Together, we have built a strong foundation for the future.
“I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved, from year-on-year revenue growth to the appointment of a record number of partners, solidifying our position as the largest Big Four firm in Scotland. I look forward to joining Anna’s leadership team and to working closely with our teams across the UK and globally while continuing to be actively advising clients on their transaction strategies in the Scotland market.
“EY Scotland will continue to thrive under Sue’s passionate leadership, and I am excited by the prospect of further investment and growth for us across the country.”
Ms Dawe said: “It’s an exciting time in the global firm to accept the role of Scotland managing partner. Ally’s leadership, vision and firm-wide connectivity over the past six years has pushed EY Scotland to new heights, and I am excited to build on that as we embark on this next chapter.
“With the support of our outstanding partner team, I am confident that we can continue to enhance our services and deliver exceptional value to clients. I’m also eager to maintain our focus on investing in talent and technology, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.
“I look forward to collaborating with our Partners and teams to further strengthen our position in the market. Together, we will continue to foster an inclusive and innovative environment that empowers our people to excel, while playing our part in a just economy.”