The Tribune

EY’s (Ernst & Young) regional managing partner for The Bahamas and other Caribbean territories is stepping down after 39 years with the accounting firm.

Michele Thompson, who also oversees the firm’s operations in Bermuda, British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the Cayman Islands, is retiring with effect from October 1 to be succeeded by Bill Bailey, EY’s regional tax leader.

Ms Thompson joined EY’s predecessor, Cross & Thomas/Arthur Young, in 1987. She was made a partner in 2001, and went on to become the firm’s regional assurance leader in 2010. Her tenure includes barrier-breaking appointments among the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms, such as being named the first female Bahamas country managing partner in 2012, and the first female regional managing partner in 2023.

Tiffany Norris-Pilcher, regional wealth and asset management leader, and EY Bahamas country managing partner, said: “Michele is a transformational leader, who realised a period of sustained growth and innovation for the entire region. Her unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions to our clients, the community and EY have left an indelible mark.

“She is a true role model to all young women on how to be steadfast in achieving one’s goals. As a working mother, Michele showed us it’s possible to achieve a work/life balance with poise and grace. The legacy she leaves behind will continue to resonate, shaping our future for years to come.

 “In order to continue shaping future generations, EY Bahamas has honoured Michele’s focus on education by introducing the Michele Thompson Scholarship Fund,” Ms Norris-Pilcher added. “This scholarship will assist young Bahamians majoring in accounting or science, technology, engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the University of The Bahamas, covering living expenses in addition to tuition.”

 Ms Thompson said: “I congratulate Bill on this well-deserved and important career milestone. With Bill at the helm, I am confident that we are well-positioned to deliver long-term value to the region. 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.”

 Mr Bailey added: “It’s an incredible privilege for me to succeed Michele as regional managing partner, and I want to thank her for her tremendous contributions to our clients, the community and our people.

“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 solutions to organisations and governments, helping them to shape the future with confidence despite a constantly-evolving economic landscape.

“Under Michele’s leadership, EY has been markedly expanding its presence here in The Bahamas across our Freeport and Nassau locations,” Mr Bailey added. “Our decades-long presence continues to provide Bahamians with rewarding careers, training and internships, and we look forward to honouring Michele’s legacy by providing excellent service to our clients here for decades more to come.”