Ernst & Young extends commitment to global youth entrepreneurship

World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 2-5 June, Monte Carlo

LONDON -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Ernst & Young, the global professional services organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Pinelli as the new Global Vice Chair for our Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) practice. She will succeed Greg Ericksen, who retires on 30 June after 35 years with Ernst & Young serving entrepreneurs and helping us build our leading entrepreneurial brand.

With more than 20 years of experience, Maria has in-depth knowledge of the needs and issues of companies experiencing rapid growth. Throughout her career, she has supported clients with acquisitions, due diligence, financing and IPOs. Maria has also acquired significant knowledge of the global capital markets, having led over 20 IPOs in Canada, China, the United Kingdom and the United States. In her new role she will head our practice dedicated to entrepreneurial and high growth companies.

Maria will be attending the 11^th Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards which will be held this Saturday in Monte Carlo.

Ernst & Young is also delighted to announce it has extended its ongoing commitment and relationship with the Network for Teacher Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in the United States, to another nine countries around the world. Ernst & Young supports NFTE by providing a scholarship for each of its 16 US programs and plans to replicate this in Belgium, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand and South Africa.

NFTE is the only global non-profit organization solely focused on bringing entrepreneurship education to low-income youth. Founded in New York City in 1987, NFTE began as a program to prevent dropouts and improve academic performance among students who were at risk of failing or quitting school. NFTE's entrepreneurship education programs provide the critical link that makes school relevant to the real world thereby empowering students to own their educations in and out of the classroom and to find their own path to success.

NFTE has now worked with nearly 350,000 young people from low-income communities in programs across the U.S. and around the world.

Maria, who sits on the board of NFTE says:

"We are delighted to extend our involvement across the nine countries. It is entrepreneurs who represent the best hope of creating sustained economic growth around the world. Our commitment to entrepreneurs, in both emerging and developed economies around the world, helps ensure that we're working with more of tomorrow's global leaders, today."

Amy Rosen, President & CEO, NFTE, says:

"Too many young people today drop out of school and struggle to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1987, NFTE has been inspiring young people to pursue educational opportunities, start their own businesses, and succeed in life.

"Our international partners are a critical component of the NFTE network and reach over 30,000 youth annually, accounting for over 55% of all the young people NFTE serves annually."

World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011, 2-5 June, Monte Carlo
Ernst & Young will be celebrating the inspirational journeys of 49 entrepreneurs from 44 countries at the 11th World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011. Each of the individuals at the event have won the title of Entrepreneur of the Year in their country, and will come together to compete for the 2011 World title. The winner will be announced at a gala on the evening of Saturday 4 June.

The judging panel will be chaired by Francis Yeoh, Managing Director, YTL Corporation Berhad, Malaysia.

A full media kit for the event including a list of finalists is available at: www.ey.com/weoy

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About World Entrepreneur Of The Year
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries.

About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 141,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global Ernst & Young organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

CONTACT:

Ernst & Young
Will White
Global Media Relations
+44-20-7980-0146
wwhite@uk.ey.com