Ernst & Young (E&Y) Mena plans to recruit at least 2,000 new people to fulfil ambitious growth plans in 2011.

These new recruits will be across all four service lines: assurance, tax, transactions and advisory.

Already the largest of the Big 4 professional services organisations in the region by size of revenues and number of staff and offices, this will add to its 4,200 people across 20 offices in 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena).

Last week, over 3,000 Ernst & Young partners from across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) met in Paris to discuss future plans for growth and areas of further investment.

'Our global integration has enabled us to operate more effectively across country borders,' Ernst & Young EMEIA managing partner Mark Otty said.

'Realising this competitive advantage means bringing it to life for our people and our clients.

'This year also marked the fourth year of our previously announced $1 billion global investment initiatives.

'Underlining the shift in global economic power, much of our new investment has been earmarked for emerging markets and the programme exceeded expectations, with more than $1.2 billion ultimately invested.'

Ernst & Young earlier announced combined global revenues of $21.3 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30.

Global revenues in the second half of the financial year increased by 5.3 per cent in US dollars.

'I am confident that we will continue to provide great opportunities for our people.

'Our strategy is to ensure continuity by nurturing and developing the best people in their local environments. This year, we have already hired over 1,000 new people across Mena and admitted 20 partners,' E&Y Mena chairman Abdulaziz Al Sowailim said.