A native of Avon in central Minnesota has been named to lead the Americas division of global accounting-and-advisory services giant EY.
Kelly Grier, 48, who currently runs EY's 15-state central region from Chicago, will move to New York City next year to run the Americas business that covers 71,500 EY employees in 31 countries, including the United States, who generate $14.5 billion in annual revenue.
Grier will succeed Steve Howe, who has served as EY managing partner for the Americas since 2006, and who is retiring next year after 36 years with the firm.
"The Americas is our largest market, and its strong foundation comes from our shared culture and purpose of building a better working world," EY Global CEO Mark Weinberger said in a press release."Kelly has demonstrated uncompromised integrity and an ability to manage high-performing teams, while delivering exceptional results for EY clients."
"[Grier has] served many of the largest EY audit and advisory clients, helping them to transform and grow. Kelly also brings global experience having worked in Germany and Switzerland and has held a variety of roles, including Chicago office managing partner."
Grier, who grew up in Stearns County, earned a degree in accounting from Saint Mary's College of Notre Dame in Indiana. She previously served as a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a "Young Global Leader."
"It is an exciting time to lead an innovative, dynamic and fast-paced organization with an unrelenting focus on helping clients solve their toughest challenges and realize their greatest ambitions," Grier said in a prepared statement.
Grier, who will assume the new post next July, never worked for EY's Twin Cities office. However, she oversees the 635-employee office from Chicago.
EY, one of the world's largest accounting firms, provides audit, transaction, tax and advisory services.
