LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ernst & Young has announced the appointment of Alison Kay as the new Global Sector Leader for Power & Utilities, effective as of 1 July 2013. Alison will lead a global team of 3,600 professionals with extensive technical experience in providing assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services to the power and utilities sector.

Alison joined Ernst & Young in 2007 to lead the Advisory team for the utilities sector in the UK before becoming a member of the UK and Ireland Board in 2010. She has worked extensively with clients from across the sector globally, developing strong relationships with many of the most important leaders in the industry along the way.

A graduate from the University of Sheffield in the UK, Alison began her career with a successful four year period in industry, completing a MBA at the Manchester Business School in the process. She then spent several years at Accenture, consulting for power and utilities clients on generation, transmission and retail issues across Europe, before moving to Ernst & Young.

Commenting on her new role, Alison says: “In a world of uncertainty, changing regulatory frameworks and environmental challenges, power and utility companies need to respond and adapt while providing an affordable and secure energy supply locally. Ernst & Young has a truly global footprint in power and utilities and this new role provides an exciting opportunity to work with our teams across the world in developing solutions for our clients to address these significant industry challenges.”

Steve Almassy, Ernst & Young’s Global Vice Chair, Office of the Chairman Accounts and Industry, adds: “I am really pleased to welcome Alison to this global leadership role in Power & Utilities. Alison’s extensive sector experience and leadership will build on the great work that has already been achieved under her predecessor Ben van Gils.”

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