Grant Thornton to recruit 160 partners as firm reshapes operating model

Grant Thornton UK plans to recruit 160 partners over the next two years as part of what it described as a major expansion of its leadership ranks.

The firm, which has 280 partners and has made 40 appointments this year, said the move forms a central part of its growth strategy.

To support hiring across audit, tax and advisory, the firm is working with executive search specialists Korn Ferry and Wilton and Bain. It is also using an advisory firm to strengthen its partner selection process and embed data-led performance assessment.

The announcement comes six months after the group completed a transaction with private equity investor Cinven, marking a shift in its ownership structure.

Grant Thornton said the deal – which made it the largest UK professional services firm to take external equity – has enabled increased spending on technology and talent, including training programmes in data and digital skills. It has also introduced new reward schemes, including an employee benefit trust and an exceptional bonus.

The firm’s updated partner model combines in-year and long-term rewards. Grant Thornton said this typically delivers a 50 % premium to the market rate, supported by expanded onboarding and development programmes.

Alongside its partner recruitment, the group is focusing on director-level appointments through a mix of internal promotions and external hires to support its pipeline of future partners.

Grant Thornton’s chief executive, Malcolm Gomersall, said: “2025 has been a transformative year for our firm, as we reimagined what the multi-disciplinary professional services partnership of the future should look like – combining equity ownership with external investment from Cinven to unlock unprecedented competitiveness. We have an exceptionally ambitious growth plan and we know our strong brand, unique operating model and industry-leading quality will continue to drive our momentum over the years to come.

“Our industry is changing at an unprecedented speed and the evolution of our business model puts us in prime position to capitalise on these dynamics. Joining our partnership means joining something genuinely unique and special, so we’re excited to share this opportunity with many more people whose values and ambitions are aligned with ours.”