EY has appointed Dave Hales as the new office managing partner in Southampton.

Dave is a Partner in EY’s assurance practice and has moved from the firm’s Reading office to to taker over from Geraint Davies, who is transferring to EY Malta to run their assurance practice.

Having worked for EY for over 30 years, Dave has worked with a varied portfolio of clients across a number of sectors including FMCG, healthcare, life sciences, technology and high tech manufacturing. Dave also previously led the firm’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme across the south region.

He said: “Our Southampton practice has gone from strength to strength, reflecting the continued investment we’re making in our people, business and brand locally. The South Coast is a great place for businesses to invest and grow and I’m looking forward to working with more of the region’s local businesses to support them with their growth ambitions, as we look to expand our mid-market business across the region.”

EY employs over 700 people across the Thames Valley and South Coast, based from two offices in Reading and Southampton.