Grant Thornton Australia appoints financial advisory partner in Melbourne

Bringing nearly 22 years of professional experience, Fennell has supported executives on contract negotiation, pursuing growth opportunities, and assessing investments in property, plant, and operational infrastructure.

Prior to his appointment as partner at Grant Thornton Australia, Fennell served at Pitcher Partners for over 20 years, commencing his career as an analyst at the firm, before becoming a senior manager and being promoted to client director in 2016.

“Organisations are making increasingly complex investment and operational decisions, often involving competing commercial priorities and significant long-term implications,” Fennell said.

“The most effective financial models do more than produce numbers. They create a clear foundation for discussions about strategy, risk and opportunity.

“I look forward to working with clients and colleagues at Grant Thornton to support confident, well-informed decision making.”

While at Pitcher Partners, Fennell has worked with the commercial and financial frameworks underpinning Australian transport contracts as well as with the operational and investment considerations in the electrification of bus networks and the transition of fleets and depots.

He has also advised on project decision models and contract negotiations, competitive tenders, debt sourcing, and operational financial models.

Fennell’s expertise combines financial modelling with an understanding of finance, payment structures, contractual frameworks, and operational considerations.

“David brings a practical and commercially grounded approach to complex financial and operational questions. His ability to connect detailed financial analysis with strategic and contractual considerations will be valuable to clients making significant investment, tender and operational decisions,” Andrew Hewitt, financial advisory partner at Grant Thornton Australia, said.

“His appointment strengthens the support Grant Thornton can provide across the full life cycle of major projects, from assessing opportunities and structuring competitive bids to negotiating contracts and monitoring operational performance.

“David will add further depth to our financial modelling capability across the country and particularly based here in Melbourne.”

This follows the firm’s appointment of a new national head of forensic consulting in early October, a new not-for-profit national leader in September, and a majority vote by Grant Thornton Australia partners to complete a $1 billion buyout agreement with multinational platform Grant Thornton Advisors LLC in August.