HONG KONG: EY has appointed Steven Phan as Asia-Pacific area managing partner with immediate effect. In his new role, Phan will be based in Singapore and Hong Kong, and is responsible for all of EY’s businesses in the region, including assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. He succeeds Lou Pagnutti, who after leading EY in Asia-Pacific for three years, has been appointed to global managing partner – business enablement, based in London. In their new roles, Pagnutti continues his tenure and Phan becomes a member of EY’s Global Executive.

“[Phan] brings a significant combination of strong client relationships built over the last three decades, a deep understanding of the markets in Asia-Pacific as well as an unparalleled understanding of the culture and ethos of the region,” said Mark Weinberger, EY global chairman and CEO. “This will hold him in good stead in taking EY’s business to even greater heights in Asia-Pacific as we forge ahead to build a better working world for our clients and the communities we operate in.”

Phan has over 32 years of auditing and advisory experience working with multi-nationals in Asia-Pacific. He has also performed work for a number of government and quasi-government organisations. Having joined EY - also known as Ernst & Young - in 2002, Phan was elected managing partner for Asean, and country managing partner for Singapore in 2008. He took on the role of chief operating officer Asia-Pacific for EY in 2011 overseeing the operations and finance-related matters for the region.

“Given the super cycle growth we have experienced in Asia-Pacific, it is no surprise that the region is positioned as one of the most dynamic and exciting markets in the world,” Phan said. “With vast opportunities for our clients and our people, I am honoured to be leading our growth efforts in Asia-Pacific.”