Accountancy group EY has appointed former HSBC regional corporate banking head Mark Bennett as a relationship director covering the South West & Wales.
Mark, pictured, spent 38 years in a variety of roles at the bank, including strategic development, head of business marketing and head of corporate banking for the last 12 years. He is also a member of the CBI’s regional council. 
At EY he will be working with new and existing clients across the region to help them achieve their potential growth and maximise their opportunities.
Mark, who will be based in the firm’s Bristol office, said: “This is an exciting new challenge for me and I look forward to getting out into the market, expanding my network and working closely with the region’s businesses to build our client base and support the expansion of our own business.
“With its experienced and dedicated team, ambitious growth strategy and strong brand in the South West, EY has a significant opportunity to grow as conditions continue to improve in the regional economy.”
EY regional senior partner Richard Jones added: “Mark’s appointment is part of a strategic drive to grow EY’s South West & Wales practice and expand our client base into new areas. We recently announced our investment in the financial services sector with the opening of a regional practice in Bristol, and are looking for more opportunities to grow our business.
“With his outstanding knowledge of the local market, we’re delighted Mark has joined EY’s Bristol team and I’m confident his approach and reputation for building trusted client relationships will help us further develop our client base across the South West & Wales.”
EY now has more than 330 people based in its Bristol office at The Paragon, Counterslip, having grown by 13% over the past year.
