Brass will head Deloitte’s multidisciplinary business across the region, bringing together teams from audit and assurance, tax and legal, technology and transformation, and strategy, risk and transactions advisory.
While working with organisations across the South East's leading sectors, including technology and life sciences, he will also continue to support the development of the firm's people and its work in local communities. He will work with colleagues based in Cambridge, Gatwick, Ipswich, Milton Keynes and Reading.
Brass is Deloitte UK’s technology audit lead partner with over 20 years’ experience in audit and assurance. His work has focussed on UK and US listed technology companies. Alongside his new role as practice senior partner for the South East, Brass will continue as the office senior partner for Reading.
This appointment follows the promotion of more than 340 people across the practice in June. This autumn, the firm welcomed over 110 new graduates and apprentices across the South East as the firm reasserted its commitment to the next generation of professional services talent.
James Brass, practice senior partner, Deloitte South East, said: “Across the Ox-Cam corridor and the Thames Valley, we work with some of the UK's fastest-growing and most innovative businesses. From emerging technologies to ground-breaking life sciences discoveries, the South East is a thriving hub of opportunity for businesses and talent.
“In this role, I am committed to supporting our people to develop and build their careers, bringing together the best of our business across the region to serve our clients. The work we do across the South East will continue to contribute to the economic growth and development that impacts the whole country.”
Brass succeeds Fran Cousins, who has led Deloitte's teams in the area for the past four years, with a particular focus on Cambridge and Ipswich. She will remain with the firm in a national role as the UK Sector Leader for Government & Public Services and Private Healthcare.
During her tenure, Deloitte strengthened its position across the region's key growth sectors and deepened its engagement with local businesses and communities. In 2024, she oversaw the launch of Deloitte's Life Sciences Catalyst Business Lounge in Cambridge, creating a dedicated collaboration space for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses operating within one of the UK's leading life sciences clusters.
Richard Bray, Managing Partner for Places, Deloitte: "James brings deep experience working with high-growth businesses and a strong track record of leadership within Deloitte. Combined with his understanding of the South East market and his commitment to developing our people, he is exceptionally well placed to lead our business through its next phase of growth.
"I'd also like to thank Fran Cousins for her outstanding leadership over the last four years. She has helped strengthen our presence across the South East, championed our people and played an important role in building deeper connections with businesses and communities.”
