Grant Thornton CEO to step down after five years
Dave Dunckley took the decision to step down over Christmas, because the firm is well placed to manage the transition to new leadership
Grant Thornton UK has announced that Dave Dunckley will step down as CEO following a successful five-year tenure, and that Malcolm Gomersall will take over the day-to-day running of the firm in his role as COO while a CEO selection process takes place.
Gomersall has been Grant Thornton’s COO since 2019. Dunckley will remain as a partner in the firm until the end of March to help ensure a smooth transition.
Dunckley took the decision to step down over Christmas, in order to take a break following a successful five years as CEO. He has made the decision to step down now because the firm is well placed to manage the transition to new leadership.
He leaves Grant Thornton at a high point, following a successful tenure, with the firm reporting another strong year. The firm’s latest accounts for 2022 show that the firm had grown by 12% net revenue growth to £610m and 5% profit growth to £121m.
Announcing Dunckley’s decision, Imogen Joss, chair of the Grant Thornton Partnership Governance board, said: “I know everyone at Grant Thornton will join me in thanking Dave for the significant contribution he has made to the firm. We wish him every success for the future.
“I am delighted Malcolm has agreed to take over the day-to-day running of the firm. It is testament to Dave’s leadership that we have such a strong team in place to take the firm forward.”
Dunckley said: “Grant Thornton is a brilliant firm, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved over the past five years. We are trusted to deliver outstanding work for our clients. And we are operating through a period of significant change and growing demand for our work.
“Over Christmas, I decided it was time to take a break, following a successful five years’ service as CEO. I am confident that I pass a quality operation into the safe hands of my successor and all our partners.”
Gomersall added: “I want to thank Dave for his service to Grant Thornton. Under his leadership, the firm has had its most successful period in its history in terms of its financial performance and delivering market-leading audit quality. It has been a pleasure to work together, and he leaves the firm well placed to continue to grow and succeed.
“We have strong foundations in place, and the market presents significant opportunities for our people and clients over the years ahead.”
