Accounting firm Grant Thornton Australia has announced significant changes to its strategic leadership team, set to take effect from 1 July 2025.
The reshuffle, following the appointment of new CEO Said Jahani, aims to enhance client experience, accelerate growth, and facilitate quicker decision-making aligned with the firm’s purpose.
Grant Thornton CEO-Elect, Said Jahani said: “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. 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. 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 our firm.”
The revamped leadership structure will see the unification of financial advisory and consulting service lines under the leadership of partner Paul Gooley.
This strategic move is designed to capitalise on market opportunities and deliver comprehensive operational and financial solutions to clients.
Additionally, the firm has established a dedicated in-house mergers and acquisitions (M&A) function, led by partner Matt Byrnes.
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By GlobalDataThis new role underscores the firm’s commitment to strategic growth through attracting aligned lateral hires and potential acquisitions.
The existing C-suite leaders will maintain their roles within the executive team, continuing to drive the firm’s goals while upholding “operational excellence.”
The updated strategic leadership team includes Said Jahani as chief executive officer, along with other key figures such as Michelle Watson as CFO, Ben Swindale as the CTO.
Kate Lindwall will serve as the chief people and culture officer while Fraser McNaughton will be the chief marketing officer.
New appointments to the team include Simon Coulton, Paul Gooley, Daniel Kave as national managing partners, Matt Byrnes as head if M&A, and Nick Mellos, among others.
Earlier in June 2025, Grant Thornton Advisors in the US welcomed Elliot Findlay as its new chief operating officer.
