SCOTLAND’S largest professional services firm has appointed a new managing partner.

Ally Scott will take on the new role at EY Scotland as part of the firm’s ambitious new growth strategy.

The news comes as EY confirms its plan to increase its Scottish headcount by 25% in the next 12 months.

Scott, who joined EY in September 2016, will take over from current managing partner, Mark Harvey, on July 1. In his current role, Scott has led the firm’s Scottish TAS practice to 15% and 21% growth in its last two financial years, helping secure deals for prominent Scottish clients such as Simon Howie Group, QTS Group and Weir Group.

He said: “It’s a real honour to take up the role of managing partner. Under Mark’s leadership EY has enjoyed significant growth in Scotland, securing notable client wins across all service lines and investing in our product offering to support a broader range of businesses. Our ambition to increase headcount to 1250 staff across all levels in the next 12 months is a strong signal of our intent to build on that momentum. It’s an exciting time to be part of our business.

“The Scottish market is brimming with ambitious and talented individuals who want to work with a diverse range of clients from owner-managed scale ups seeking on the ground support with funding and people strategy, through to established blue-chip brands with global operations.”

Mark Harvey will remain in the business as a partner based in the firm’s Glasgow office before leaving in April 2020 to join Arnold Clark as chief financial officer later in the year.

Steve Varley, EY chairman, said: “Mark has been an integral part of our business for more than two decades, including 13 years as a partner. I’d personally like to thank him for the huge strides the Scottish business has taken under his leadership.”