From graduate trainee to Chairman of the company

In an uncompromising modern business world characterised by continual change and relentless global competition, it is heartening to hear of individuals who have built a successful career within a single organisation. Such an example is Kevin Ellis, who - after gaining a degree in Industrial Economics from Nottingham University Business School in 1984 - started as a Graduate Trainee with ‘Big Four’ multinational professional services firm PwC and 33 years later is now UK Chairman and Senior Partner.

Mr Ellis recently granted us an exclusive interview at PwC’s stunning Embankment Place offices to recollect memories of his time at Nottingham and talk about his remarkable career with the company.

“I remember choosing Nottingham because it is a University with a great reputation, a beautiful campus in a nice city and I wanted to get away from London but somewhere that was not too far away.

Industrial Economics seemed an ideal subject because at the time it was the closest thing to doing a tailored degree for business but equally is not totally vocational or single track like say the PwC sponsored Flying Start degree in Accountancy.”

Mr Ellis continues to be a great supporter of The University of Nottingham and every October finds time from his incredibly demanding schedule to represent PwC at the annual Finance, Consulting and Management Fair held at the University. Little wonder then that PwC are one of the largest recruiters of Nottingham graduates.

But what of Mr Ellis’s own career?

“I came to PwC to get qualified as an Accountant and gain some work experience but to be honest always thought that after a few years I would get a ‘proper job’!

“After a business grounding in audit, I moved to insolvency where I was offered the opportunity to undertake two external secondments working for both a UK retail bank and overseas bank. Having had the opportunity to experience different aspects of our business and others, I realised what a great company it is to work for.

“I really enjoyed client work so never coveted a management role but then was sponsored to attend a month long leadership programme at INSEAD Business School in Fontainebleau (France) and it changed my outlook. I took my first management role leading our Business Recovery Services a decade ago.”

Over his career Mr Ellis spent 20 years specialising in providing turnaround and crisis management support to businesses, working with a variety of organisations including many household names both in the public and private sectors. He has been instrumental in PwC’s entry into new business areas such as cyber security and data analytics.

Mr Ellis became partner in 1996 and joined the UK firm's Executive Board in 2008, first as Head of the Advisory business and from 2012, as Managing Partner. He was elected Chairman and Senior Partner in July 2016.

How does Mr Ellis see the future for PwC and British business?

“I think the most enjoyable aspects of the job are also the biggest challenges for our industry and business in general. Disruptive technology will inevitably have a big influence in every sphere of business whether this in the supply chain through advances such as cryptocurrency, the impact of artificial intelligence in client relationship management, or innovation in communications like Google Hangouts for example.

However, these changes also bring tremendous opportunities to develop new and exciting ways of working and acquire new revenue streams beyond our traditional audit and tax work.

The uncertainty of Brexit is obviously worrying if it results in companies moving out of the UK and London but can also be a key catalyst for innovation. UK business is agile and has a good track record in dealing with change.”

Indeed, turnover in PwC’s UK business grew significantly last financial year with high demand for technology, consulting and other professional services. The firm has invested heavily in the business over the past seven years, with initiatives including teaming up with Google to launch an innovation lab in Belfast, and hiring a team of specialists to explore how Blockchain technology can be applied to the financial services industry.

Foresight, confidence and optimism are qualities that have underpinned Mr Ellis’s success in business. His inspirational career journey epitomises the adage that talent, hard work and loyalty really can get you to the top.