Bill Bailey has been appointed regional managing partner for the EY Region of the Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, effective October 1, the firm announced.

Mr Bailey, who is EY Bermuda country managing partner and regional tax leader, succeeds Michele Thompson on her retirement as regional managing partner on September 30.

In addition, EY announced the appointment of Craig Redcliffe, regional insurance leader, as EY Bermuda country managing partner, succeeding Mr Bailey, effective July 1.

Mr Bailey has over 26 years of tax, accounting, business and managerial experience, and has worked with a broad range of financial institutions and multinational corporations.

Since joining EY in 2009, he has served in several leadership roles and was instrumental in driving the continued evolution of the tax practice in the region, EY said. He is a Certified Public Accountant and licensed tax attorney.

Ms Thompson said: “With Bill at the helm of the region, I am confident that we are well positioned to deliver long-term value to our clients, our people, and our communities.

“Having worked closely with Bill over the years, I have been consistently impressed by his passion for exceptional client service, and his dedication to nurturing top talent.

“Mentorship and team development are key priorities for Bill, and under his leadership he has brought the tax practice to new heights for the benefit of a broad array of clients.”

Ms Thompson, who is based in EY’s Bahamas office, added: “It’s been an honour to lead this team of talented and committed professionals whom I’m proud to call my EY family. We have accomplished great things together since the EY Region of The Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands was formed 21 years ago.”

Mr Bailey said, “It’s an incredible privilege for me to succeed Michele as regional managing partner and I want to thank her for her tremendous contributions.

“With the support of my talented EY colleagues across the region, I look forward to building on Michele’s track record of success by delivering quality solutions to organisations and governments, helping them to shape the future with confidence despite a constantly evolving economic landscape.”

Mr Redcliffe brings over 25 years of audit experience to his new role. He joined EY Bermuda in 2004, advancing through the organisation in various leadership roles, most recently in 2022 when he became regional insurance leader.

He is also a member of the ILS Bermuda Steering Committee and is a Bermuda CPA. Mr Redcliffe said it was an honour to become EY Bermuda country managing partner.

“I look forward to working alongside Bill to ensure that our business continues to provide world-class professional services, while building strong bridges with our community,” Mr Redcliffe said.

“EY is invested in the future of Bermuda and understands the importance of education and mentorship.”

He added that the annual EY Bermuda scholarship was named after Gil Tucker, retired EY Bermuda country managing partner, whom he described as a valuable mentor.