A senior partner who dedicated nearly two decades to professional services giant EY has delivered a devastating critique of the firm's "autocratic" leadership and dysfunctional workplace culture in a remarkable farewell email circulated to staff.
Scathing Critique from Departing Veteran
Cameron Bird, who spent ten years as a partner within EY's infrastructure advisory division and nineteen years overall with the organisation, used his exit communication to launch an unprecedented public condemnation of the consultancy's internal environment. Although Mr Bird is departing to pursue a career in film production, he made unequivocally clear that EY's deteriorating workplace culture served as a primary catalyst for his decision to leave.
'Direction I Could No Longer Tolerate'
In his candid message to colleagues, Mr Bird stated he could no longer endure "the direction the firm is taking," characterising the workplace as increasingly dominated by a rigid, top-down management approach. He accused senior executives of being "fixated on how things looked rather than how people were treated," suggesting leadership prioritised appearances over genuine staff welfare.
According to the departing partner, this manifested as "an obsession with looking like they care about staff and clients" while their actual focus remained squarely on "career progression and personal gain." This disconnect between stated values and operational reality, Mr Bird implied, created a toxic environment that ultimately proved unsustainable for him.
Pattern of Problematic Behaviour
Mr Bird's email went beyond general criticism to cite specific instances of unacceptable conduct he claimed to have witnessed and experienced. He described enduring behaviour from certain colleagues that became "impossible to ignore," including instances where individuals dismissed his instructions, provided false information, and deliberately complicated work for him and his team.
The partner singled out one particular figure whose treatment of colleagues was so egregious that Mr Bird felt compelled to mention it explicitly in his farewell note. He directly told this unnamed individual that their conduct lacked the fundamental respect expected within a professional organisation like EY.
Broader Cultural Challenges at EY
These revelations emerge as EY continues efforts to rehabilitate its reputation following multiple damaging incidents. The firm faced significant scrutiny after the tragic 2022 death of an audit employee in Sydney, who died after falling from the tenth floor of EY's office building.
This was followed by a comprehensive cultural review in 2023 that uncovered widespread reports of bullying, racism, harassment, and chronic overwork within the organisation. The Broderick review specifically revealed that two in five EY employees had seriously considered leaving the firm, highlighting systemic cultural issues.
Industry-Wide Pressures
The professional services sector overall has navigated a challenging period characterised by slowing client demand, rising operational costs, and significant workforce reductions. EY itself implemented cuts affecting approximately six percent of its global workforce last year as part of broader restructuring efforts.
The firm is currently in the second phase of its "Culture+" reform programme, introduced in response to the damning findings of the Broderick review. As part of wider structural changes, much of EY's infrastructure advisory business has been rebranded under the EY-Parthenon banner.
Gratitude Amid Criticism
Despite his forceful criticisms, Mr Bird's farewell message also expressed sincere appreciation for those who had supported him throughout his lengthy tenure. He thanked colleagues who had demonstrated consistent kindness and professionalism, acknowledging the positive relationships developed over nearly two decades with the firm.
Mr Bird concluded by recognising that EY had provided him with numerous opportunities throughout his career, but stated his time in consulting had "now run its course, and it was time to start over on a new path."
New Chapter in Filmmaking
The former partner will now channel his energies into creative pursuits as Chief Storyteller and Managing Director at Fire Horse Films, the independent production studio he has established. On his professional profile, Mr Bird explains that his creative approach draws significantly from his family background, noting his films are "influenced by [his] proud Chinese heritage from [his] mother who taught [him] to love art."
Representatives from both EY and Mr Bird were contacted for comment regarding the contents of the explosive exit email and the cultural issues it highlighted within one of the world's largest professional services organisations.
