Press release

11 Aug 2020

EY announces five new appointments to Asia-Pacific leadership team

EY today announced the appointment of leaders to the Area Operating Executive (AOE), the most senior body for the Asia-Pacific Area, which will strengthen the organization’s strategic capabilities in the region.

New additions to the AOE include Harsha Basnayake, EY Asia-Pacific Deputy Area Managing Partner; Walter Tong, EY Asia-Pacific Accounts Leader; Yew-Poh Mak, EY Asia-Pacific Strategy and Transactions Leader; Nobuko Kobayashi, EY Asia-Pacific Strategy Execution Leader; and Mike Wright, EY Asia-Pacific Assurance Leader.

Patrick Winter, EY Asia-Pacific Area Managing Partner, says:

“At a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges, it’s essential that we have the leaders we need to help spearhead transformation for the EY organization and for EY clients. With the new additions to the AOE, EY Asia-Pacific Area is ready to not only respond quickly to disruptions, but to overcome and thrive. I’m pleased to welcome the new leaders, all of whom will play a significant role in the continued success of EY teams in the Asia-Pacific Area.”

Appointments

Harsha Basnayake, EY Asia-Pacific Deputy Area Managing Partner

Harsha previously led EY’s Transaction Services practice in Asia-Pacific Area and has been a significant influencer in growing that business to over 5,000 strong dedicated professionals achieving a 15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenues. He originated and led several acquisitions and investment programs for EY member firms in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Vietnam. He has held several key appointments for the member firms in Singapore, Asean Region and Asia-Pacific Area in building practices and contributing to some of the key client relationships. Harsha is based in Singapore, and has over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, valuations and mergers and acquisitions space.

Walter Tong, EY Asia-Pacific Accounts Leader

Walter previously served as EY Greater China Accounts Leader and has more than 30 years of experience in advising multinational companies to formulate investment strategies in China. He has also assisted many Chinese companies to expand their operations internationally and is a Tax Partner of one of the EY member firms.

Mike Wright, EY Asia-Pacific Assurance Leader

Mike brings extensive experience and a proven track record of broad leadership. Previously, EY Asia-Pacific Deputy Assurance Leader, Mike also served as EY Oceania Assurance Leader for five years.

Yew-Poh Mak, EY Asia-Pacific Strategy and Transactions Leader

Yew-Poh previously served as EY Asia-Pacific Deputy Transaction and Advisory Services Leader, and as the Asia-Pacific Strategy Execution Leader. He will be leading EY Strategy and Transactions, a redefined EY service line that will house expanded strategy consulting practices, bringing together capabilities from EY-Parthenon teams and the advisory and transactions businesses. With 30 years of strategy consulting and corporate management experience, Yew-Poh brings a solid background and wealth of knowledge. Since joining the EY organization in 2007, he has acted as a senior advisor on numerous cross-border acquisitions and divestitures, primarily in the consumer and industrial products sectors.

Nobuko Kobayashi, EY Asia-Pacific Strategy Execution Leader

Nobuko co-leads the EY-Parthenon Consumer and Retail practice in Japan. She has more than 10 years of strategy consulting experience advising C-suite clients at both Japanese and multinational corporations with a focus on growth strategy. Nobuko is also a thought leader in the consumer space and has represented EY externally in numerous media appearances.

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Notes to Editors

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