Ian Howse,who grew up in Gwent, has been appointed as the new senior partner for Deloitte in Wales.

Mr Howse will take up his new role on June 1 when current senior partner Wayne Harvey retires.

Mr Howse, who grew up in Pontllanfraith, has been with the firm for 11 years and is a key member of the firm’s leadership team in Wales. He currently leads Deloitte’s public sector audit business, not only in Wales but across the whole of the UK.

He has been closely involved in the firm’s expansion programme in Cardiff which has seen the firm’s office in the city become Deloitte’s largest hub outside of London.

Mr Howse said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved in Wales, and while this is clearly an unprecedented time for us and our clients, I am delighted to take on this role.

“We are embedded in the South Wales business community and have strong connections with the wider local community, using these to make a positive impact to build skills, provide access to education and break down barriers to inclusion.

“We also have an outstanding team of people, whose skills and knowledge sit at the heart of our business."

Wayne Harvey said: “I’ve worked with Ian for more than a decade. He’s an outstanding leader and has helped take our operations in South Wales from strength to strength. It’s been a real privilege for me to lead Deloitte in Wales for the last 11 years and oversee our transformation into the business we are today.”

Pauline Biddle, managing partner for regional markets at Deloitte, said: “As a proud Welsh woman, I always say that being the senior partner in Wales is the best job in Deloitte. As a firm what we have here is a reflection of our nation; extraordinary talent, resource and diversity, and I greatly look forward to working with Ian in his new role.”