EY offered the job to Mr Ball after a leadership content where he beat Lynn Rattigan, EY’s current UK chief operating officer, Mike McKerr, chairman of EY Ireland and Alison Kay, global accounts committee chairwoman.

Ms Kay has been appointed to the newly created role of UK managing partner-client service, The Times reports.

Previously working in the financial services, consumer products and oil and gas sectors at EY, Mr Ball brings more than 35 years of experience to the role. Prior to becoming head of audit, he was industry leader for the energy and utilities sector for Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.

Mr Hywell is also a member of the Auditors’ Advisory Group for Sir Donald Brydon’s independent review into the quality and effectiveness of the UK audit market. He is also on the advisory board for the Financial Reporting Council’s work on the future of corporate reporting. In addition, Hywel is on the audit committee of The British Museum.