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The professional services firm has announced further leadership changes, with the establishment of a new strategic leadership team effective 1 July.
Grant Thornton names strategic leadership team under incoming CEO
26 June 2025
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8 minute read
Following the appointment of Grant Thornton’s new CEO, Said Jahani, the firm revealed it was building a fresh strategic leadership team focused on reflecting its commitment to its people and clients.
Jahani, Grant Thornton CEO-elect, said the evolved leadership structure would aim to deliver the best possible client experience, accelerate its growth trajectory, enact faster decision making, and continue to drive the firm’s purpose to care for its people, clients and communities.
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“Leadership brings both privilege and responsibility in shaping Grant Thornton’s future and the goal is to significantly grow the firm and move at pace,” he said.
“As I take on the role of CEO and consider the composition of our new strategic leadership team, I have balanced the firm’s growth ambitions with prioritising organisational stability – all within a structure designed for agility and speed. This is the team I believe we need to enable us to deliver on our firm’s strategic aspirations.”
The key updates were set to unify the leadership of financial advisory and consulting service lines under partner Paul Gooley and would “capitalise on market opportunities and unlock greater value for clients by providing end-to-end solutions that cover both operational and financial solutions”, according to the firm.
Grant Thornton’s strategic leadership team, effective from 1 July 2025, included:
· Said Jahni, chief executive officer.
· Michaele Watson, chief financial officer.
· Ben Swindale, chief technology officer.
· Kate Lindwall, chief people and culture officer.
· Fraser McNaughton, chief marketing officer and national head of industry.
· Simon Coulton, national managing partner – audit.
· Paul Gooley, national managing partner – financial advisory and consulting.
· Nicole Bradley, national managing partner – private business tax and advisory.
· Daniel Kave, national managing partner – tax.
· Andrew Archer, national managing partner – risk, quality and excellence.
· Matt Byrnes, head of mergers and acquisitions.
· Nick Mellos, head of office chairs and community.
· Sue Alcock, executive administrator.
Jahani noted the new structure would also establish an in-house merger and acquisition function led by Matt Byrnes, which was mandated to identify and attract lateral hires and potential acquisitions, both strategically and culturally aligned to Grant Thornton.
“These new appointments will also create pathways for us to accelerate our exceptional talent within our various teams and provide opportunities for diverse and talented partners to step into leadership roles across all levels throughout the firm,” Jahani said.
“I would like to thank the outgoing members of the firm’s executive as well as congratulate the new incoming members of the strategic leadership team.”
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