Grant Thornton UK appoints Chris Stefani as first CFO

Grant Thornton UK has appointed Chris Stefani as partner and its first chief financial officer, creating a new senior role to strengthen the firm’s financial strategy and governance.

Stefani will join the Grant Thornton UK Strategic Leadership Team and take an observer seat on the firm’s board. 

He will also support the firm’s growth ambitions and focus on long-term financial resilience.

He joins from international law firm DWF, where he was chief financial officer and helped steer the company through its initial public offering, public market period and subsequent transition under private equity ownership. 

Before that, he spent 17 years at EY, where he held several senior finance positions, including finance director of the EMEIA advisory division.

According to Grant Thornton UK, it has been expanding its leadership and operational structure as part of a wider strategic growth plan.

Stefani said: “I am delighted to be joining Grant Thornton which, with the backing of Cinven Private Equity, has big plans. 

“The professional services sector has never seen such a level of opportunity and interest, so it is an exciting time to join. I am very grateful to the Grant Thornton UK leadership team, and to our investment team at Cinven, for trusting me with this newly created role.”

Malcolm Gomersall, Grant Thornton UK chief executive, added: “The board and I are thrilled that Chris will be joining us, and we look forward to having him on board. Grant Thornton UK has bold and ambitious plans for the future that will see the firm build on its market-leading position and further establish itself as a leader in business services and financial advice. Chris’ experience and wealth of talent will play a huge role in helping steer us along our journey.”