Gemma Sampson

I am a Director in our Debt & Capital Advisory team, having joined Grant Thornton as a graduate trainee in the London Audit department in 2007. For more than 14 years I have specialised in raising, refinancing and restructuring debt for mid‑market and large corporate borrowers, as well as advising lenders.

I work with a wide range of privately owned and listed businesses, supporting management teams and shareholders as they navigate the full spectrum of debt financing options and lender relationships. My experience includes bilateral, club and syndicated bank facilities, private credit solutions, complex refinancings and restructuring situations.

I have particular expertise in operational real estate, advising clients across a variety of sub- sectors. My focus is on delivering clear, commercially grounded advice that helps clients secure the right capital structure to achieve their strategic objectives.

In 2021 to 2022, I completed a year‑long secondment with a UK bank, working alongside its real estate finance and restructuring teams. I supported Relationship Directors in managing real estate lending exposures and collaborated with risk, restructuring and portfolio teams to identify emerging trends and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, including my husband and two young boys, and I am the lead teacher for the learn to swim school at my local swimming club, a role I have held for more than 20 years.