1.18.2008 - 02:00pm ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK - January 18, 2008 – Ernst & Young LLP today announced the creation of a new internal leadership position focused on developing and instituting environmental best practices throughout all Ernst & Young offices in the Americas. The new Americas Director of Environmental Sustainability position will be filled by Leisha John, a 24-year veteran of the global Ernst & Young organization. In her new role, Ms. John will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for Ernst & Young’s environmental sustainability efforts.

"With 38,000 people in the Americas, we have a broad sense of responsibility to the people, companies, and communities we serve," noted Kathy Pawlus, Ernst & Young's Americas Chief Financial Officer. "We made the decision to establish a leadership position in the Americas that focuses solely on environmental sustainability – reporting directly to me – to ensure that we are doing everything we can to minimize our environmental footprint."

Leisha John's appointment positions Ernst & Young to take its environmental sustainability efforts to the next level. Over the past six years, more than 500 employees in local offices have joined the grassroots EcoCare network to increase awareness of ways to be more environmentally friendly. The EcoCare network's successes include initiatives around recycling, waste reduction, environmentally friendly procurement practices, and community activities that promote a better environment.

Ms. John brings considerable executive leadership experience and a passion for environmental issues to her new role. She is repatriating back to the Americas for this position from India, where she was formerly the CEO of Ernst & Young's Global Shared Services center. Earlier in her career with Ernst & Young, she served as Director of Strategy & Operational Excellence for the U.S. Tax Compliance group.

"Ernst & Young takes its role as corporate citizen very seriously and we recognize our responsibility to the planet," noted Leisha John. "Everyone at Ernst & Young plays a part in this responsibility and I look forward to furthering our efforts as good stewards of the environment."

With the growth of Ernst & Young’s global Sustainability Assurance and Advisory Services practice, the firm has seen firsthand the growth in client demand for assurance and risk services related to the environment and sustainability. With the establishment of this new internal leadership postion in the Americas, Ernst & Young will be calling on the experience and knowledge of its own Sustainability Assurance and Advisory Services practice to help realize the vision of the new position.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to enhancing the public's trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 130,000 people in 140 countries pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism in providing a range of sophisticated services centered on our core competencies of auditing, accounting, tax, and transactions. Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at http://www.ey.com/perspectives. Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited does not provide services to clients. Ernst & Young LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, is a U.S. client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.

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