Grant Thornton becomes the destination for senior talent as Q1 equity partner appointments surge
Grant Thornton UK has made a powerful start to its bold growth plans, appointing 26 new equity partners in the first quarter of 2026, marking a major milestone in the firm’s plan to welcome 160 new partners over the next two years. This rapid expansion signals the firm’s growing market strength and its commitment to investing in the leadership needed to deliver its long‑term growth strategy.
The new partners bring senior level experience across advisory, transactions, audit, forensics and corporate finance, expanding the leadership capacity available to clients as they navigate growth, transformation, investment and risk in increasingly complex markets. These appointments form part of a wider programme to strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality, joined up advice as client needs evolve.
Seven partners were appointed in March (five external hires and two internal appointments), combining fresh market perspectives with continuity and deep institutional knowledge. All partners join on an equity basis unless they choose a salaried route.
Strengthening advisory support for financial services
Shuvo Banerjee has been promoted to Partner in Core Advisory, based in London. His leadership enhances the Financial Services Internal Audit team for mid-market banking clients. His appointment reflects Grant Thornton’s commitment to supporting financial services organisations as they respond to regulatory change, strengthen control environments and make forward-looking risk decisions with confidence.
Boosting sector and specialist support for transactions
Ekrem Shahin joins the Corporate Finance team from KPMG as Partner, bringing over 12 years of TMT sector experience and M&A leadership across Enterprise Software and Interactive Entertainment. His appointment strengthens support for founders, management teams and investors executing growth, acquisition and exit strategies in fast-moving digital sectors.
Sofie Morgan has been promoted to Partner in the Transaction Tax team, having joined Grant Thornton as a graduate in 2015. Sofie is based in London and brings extensive experience advising on tax in transactions, particularly for lower to mid-market private equity, providing services including tax due diligence, tax structuring, SPA review and funds flow support.
Enhanced Audit leadership
Michelle Lynch joins as Partner based in Birmingham, bringing 28 years of experience in IT audit and assurance, supporting organisations across the UK as they manage technology risk, system change and data integrity. Michelle joins from KPMG.
Sandy Sullivan, who joins as Partner in London with 23 years’ experience, deepens specialist audit support for private equity-backed and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) businesses, helping them meet investor, regulatory and reporting expectations. Sandy joins from Deloitte.
Deeper expertise in forensic accounting
In London, Kate Lilleyman joins the firm’s market-leading Forensic and Investigation Services practice. Kate brings almost two decades of experience supporting clients across a broad spectrum of claims involving shareholders, intellectual property, contracts, misrepresentation and alleged fraud in sectors including pharmaceutical, energy and media where she has advised on and testified in domestic and international litigation and arbitration proceedings. Kate joins following senior roles at S&W and Kroll.
Consistent, high-quality client experience at scale
Frederik Vinten’s appointment as Chief Commercial Officer was announced earlier in the month. In this role, he leads the firm’s commercial strategy and client experience agenda, ensuring that rapid growth is matched by a consistent, high-quality approach to client service.
Malcolm Gomersall, CEO of Grant Thornton UK, said:
“Grant Thornton’s growing partnership shows exactly who we are: a firm where top talent chooses to build their careers. People want to join us because our culture is strong, and they believe in what we’re building.
“Our new partners bring real expertise from sector insight and transactions to forensics and strategic leadership, and their impact for clients will be immediate.
“Together, these appointments further strengthen our ability to support the mid‑market businesses and organisations that are the backbone of the UK economy.”