Ernst & Young names new CEO

JAKARTA (JP): Consulting and accounting firm Ernst & Young, Hanadi, Sarwoko & Sandjaja announced on Wednesday the appointment of Simon Halim as its new chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Peter Knox who is going to retire.

The company also appointed Robert Porter as the chief operating officer (COO), a new position in the company's organizational structure.

Simon is the first Indonesian to lead the subsidiary of the U.S-based Ernst & Young. He was the firm's assurance and advisory business partner from 1998 before assuming the new post.

Porter was the firm's tax partner from 1994 before taking his new job.

The election of the new CEO and COO was conducted by a committee representing Ernst & Young's 31 partners and principals, in December last year, the company said.

Simon told reporters that the firm would refocus its operation on corporate finance services rather than on auditing and accounting services.

Ernst & Young tied up with two local firms, Hanadi Rahardja and Sarwoko & Sandjaja in October 1998.(05)