Automotive expert Richard Parkin joins Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton has strengthened its UK team with Richard Parkin, who joins as an automotive sector specialist within its Transaction Advisory Services practice. At Grant Thornton, Parkin will focus on further expanding the firm’s footprint in the automotive industry, and beyond.

Richard Parkin has more than 10 years of experience in the consulting industry. After obtaining his degree from the University of Oxford he started his career in 2000 with Mars & Co, where he spent 4 years, in his last role as Senior Associate Consultant. He then moved to German-origin strategy consultancy Roland Berger, where he gained experience, predominantly in strategy, commercial diligence and operational matters. In May 2006 he joined Ernst & Young (currently EY), where he based in London stayed for more than six years. At the Big 4 firm he built a wealth wealth of experience, principally working with automotive and related segment clients. In his most recent role, Parkin served as Head of Valuations at Glass's Information Services, a supplier of automotive business intelligence across 28 countries.

Per November Parkin has decided to rejoin the consulting industry, taking on the role of Associate Director at accounting- and consulting firm Grant Thornton. “It was a great fit: Grant Thornton was able to provide me with the opportunity to focus on consulting work and, with their existing expertise, allow me to serve clients in a wider capacity," comments Parkin on the reasons for the move.

For Grant Thornton the addition is in line with its ambition to grow its presence in the automotive industry. “I'm delighted that he has joined our team. Richard brings specific expertise of the UK automotive market which perfectly complements our Automotive Advisory team and our well established asset and motor finance team. His specific expertise in vehicle residual values will be very relevant with regards to the various transactional advisory work we deliver.  He also brings consulting skills to further strengthen our offering and this is aligned to where we are seeing growing market demands,” says Tarun Mistry, Partner of Grant Thornton’s Automotive Advisory unit.

At Grant Thornton Parkin will work alongside other senior team members, such as Tarun Mistry, Neil Barrell, Paul Burrows and Christian Roelofs, to grow the firm’s service offerings and client base.