EY appoints Jan Brorhilker as new CEO of German business

EY has appointed Jan Brorhilker as its new market leader in Germany. He has been with the firm for two decades and is a member of its executive team.

The 45-year-old currently serves as Managing Partner of EY’s Assurance business and will assume his new role on 1 January 2027, succeeding Henrik Ahlers, who has held the position since 2021 and will retire from the partnership next year.

In his new role, Brorhilker will lead one of EY’s largest country organisations worldwide. In Germany, the accounting and consulting firm has more than 10,800 employees across 18 locations.

“EY has a very solid foundation in the German market and is setting an important course for stronger growth in the coming years. I am delighted to lead this ambition together with our partners and the entire EY team,” said Brorhilker.

An accountant by background, Brorhilker has helped EY expand its Assurance portfolio in his current role, notably supporting the firm in winning several new DAX-listed companies. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Operating Officer, where he played a key role in shaping various transformation initiatives within the firm.

In his client work, Brorhilker focuses on auditing, tax advisory and financial matters related to areas such as digital transformation, private equity and public offerings.

Commenting on the appointment, current and departing CEO Ahlers described his successor as a “shrewd strategist and experienced executive”, adding: “I am convinced that he will lead EY into a successful future in Germany.”