MOSCOW, KYIV, 12 FEBRUARY 2014:  EY CIS practice has announced that Joe Watt was appointed as EY CIS Managing Partner, who replaced Karl Johansson in this role in January, 2014.

CIS countries and Ukraine face challenging years ahead, but the new opportunities, believes Watt, will be in healthcare, technology, infrastructure projects, and the regional development. CIS markets are part of the global economy and global competition; local companies in all sectors need a continuous improvement of operational efficiency.

Joe Watt joined EY in Australia in 1989, and five years later moved to Russia. He then spent 12 years in the CIS, including periods as CIS Managing Partner for Assurance and leading the development of the CIS practice. He also spent six years in Indonesia, including time as a managing partner. He has exceptionally strong skills in serving clients in developing and emerging markets.

Joe will expand EY’s leadership in the CIS and broaden the service opportunities to the market:

“EY CIS practice has relatively more local national partners and this is one key differentiator between EY and our competitors. As the leading firm in the CIS, EY is the best positioned firm to support local enterprises. Most of our business in the CIS is from services other than audit. We have built leading practices in Advisory, Tax and Law, Transaction Advisory Services. Providing exceptional client service – bringing insight and understanding to our clients is crucial to our success”, says Joe Watt.

Karl Johansson, EY Regional Managing Partner in the CIS, 2006-2013: “Joe knows CIS markets well, as he has spent most of his career here. He has a long-standing commitment to the development of our people and providing insights and global best practices to our clients and the market. We all wish him great success in his new role.”

Alexei Kredisov, EY Managing Partner in Ukraine, Co-Leader of the Emerging Markets Center, EY Global: "Joe has a unique expertise across all service lines in EY and a deep understanding of our business. As a marathon runner, he is focused on strategic approach and long-term success. Joe leads by example and encourages the professional development of each team member which will definitely help him in his new role and further strengthening our practice".

About Joe Watt

Joe has been with EY for 25 years and has been the Managing Partner in two very different emerging markets. He has also successfully managed two EY regional offices. He has worked with clients in Australia, Indonesia, and Russia, providing exceptional client services by listening and understanding our clients’ issues and business. Joe is a dedicated long-distance runner, and in 2013 completed the Paris, Moscow and New York marathons. Joe is married to a Russian and has spent more of his life in Moscow than in any other city.