Grant Thornton UK has created the position of chief people officer (CPO) and named Abigail Fisher as the first person to hold the role.

Fisher is due to take up the post in late February. She will also become part of Grant Thornton UK’s Strategic Leadership Team, where she will be responsible for overseeing the company’s approach to people, culture and the overall employee proposition.

Grant Thornton UK CEO Malcolm Gomersall said: “Abigail’s appointment marks an important step in our journey to strengthen our culture and further enhance our people experience.

“Her experience and passion for people will help us build on what makes Grant Thornton a great place to work while modernising our operations to meet our clients’ evolving needs.”

Fisher has around 20 years of experience in senior human resources (HR) roles and large-scale organisational change, spanning both the UK and international markets.

Fisher joins from Eversheds Sutherland, where she spent the past 12 years in a series of senior HR leadership roles, most recently serving as HR director.

Her background includes designing and implementing people strategies to support business expansion and performance, as well as work to broaden diversity within partnerships and senior leadership.

Fisher started her career in professional services at Grant Thornton in 2010.

Commenting on her return, she said: “I am thrilled to be returning to Grant Thornton, a firm that has always held a special place in my career.

“This is an exciting time of growth and transformation, and I look forward to working with our talented teams to create an inclusive, high-performance culture where everyone can thrive.”

In December last year, Grant Thornton UK said that it added more than 100 new partners and directors in 2025.