Accountancy firm EY unveils Liz Jones as its new Liverpool managing partner to replace Jenn Hazlehurst who announced her departure in early 2024 after eight years in the role. Tony McDonough reports

In early 2024 Jenn Hazlehurst announced she was quitting her role as managing partner of EY in Liverpool and now the accountancy firm has unveiled Liz Jones as her replacement.

Liz, who joined the firm in 2015, will now lead the Royal Albert Dock-based team which comprises more than 70 people including four partners. She is an audit partner with more than 25 years’ experience.

Jenn had also joined EY in 2015, initially working in Manchester before being appointed to head up the Liverpool operation the following year. Under her leadership the Liverpool office doubled in size.

In March 2022 EY announced it was moving out of its 6,000 sq ft office at 20 Chapel Street to relocate to 2,200 sq ft at the Clockwise facility at the Grade I-listed Edward Pavilion in Royal Albert Dock.

Despite the office being smaller EY insisted there was no downsizing of the local team and that the move reflected the increase in hybrid working among its staff.

Announcing her decision on Linked In, Jenn said: “After eight busy years as audit partner and Liverpool office managing partner for EY, I’ve decided it’s time for a change.”

She added: “It has always been the opportunity to help others develop and progress that I have enjoyed the most.

“…I’ve worked with some amazing clients and had some great opportunities, including leading EY’s Edge program for rising talent, developing neurodiversity support and as head of North Energy.”

Liverpool-born Liz Jones started her career with KPMG before spending a number of years working in industry and then joining EY. Her sector experience covers retail, travel, hospitality, law, professional services, transport and aviation.

She has a particular focus on private equity-backed companies and she joins EY’s Liverpool office just months after it took on nine new graduates, interns and apprentices

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead EY’s business in Liverpool – a city I’ve always been proud to call home,” said Liz.

“Liverpool means a great deal to me so it’s a real privilege to be taking on this new role. I’m looking forward to working closely with both our talented team at EY and the region’s thriving business community.”

Stephen Church, north market leader at EY, added: “Liz has a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion for the North West and will be a great leader for our Liverpool practice.

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“I would like to congratulate Liz on this exciting milestone in her career and wish her every success as EY’s Liverpool leader.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jennifer Hazlehurst, who was office managing partner for eight years and nurtured a thriving business.

“Our Liverpool practice has grown from strength to strength and is in a great position to continue this trajectory in the years ahead.”