Grant Thornton appoints Martin Verrall as Gatwick lead
Grant Thornton’s Gatwick practice has appointed a new leader. Martin Verrall will head up the wing, working to upskill and enhance the local capabilities of the firm.
Speaking on the news, Verrall said, “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of practice lead for Grant Thornton’s Gatwick office, which works with a wide range of creative and innovative businesses across the Gatwick and wider South East region. Having an office at the heart of such a vibrant and diverse area means we’re well connected to the local market and understand the pressures, aspirations, hurdles and opportunities facing its companies today.
Based in Crawley, Grant Thornton’s Gatwick office hosts a team of more than 120 staff, and provides the area’s businesses, with a wide variety of key services and support from sector and technical specialists. Known for its “dynamic, enjoyable atmosphere”, Verrall added that he was “eager to ensure that each person can fulfil their potential” in the office, as well as “acting on our environmental and social responsibilities to give back to the team and the community.”
He continued, “While business leaders have numerous priorities at the top of their in-trays right now, getting to grips with ESG demands and the journey to net zero is a common theme. In the South East, there are many firms directly engaged in green industries as well as a lot of companies that need advice on how best to meet their sustainability goals. This makes for an interesting mix of demands and is an area I’m keenly focused on, as it’s important that everyone can access the expert support required to achieve a seamless transition to net zero.”
Verrall has been with Grant Thornton for more than 16 years, and became a partner in 2022 – becoming head of Grant Thornton’s sell side transaction tax practice. Alongside those responsibilities, his new role means he will also oversee upskilling and enhancing the firm’s local business – ensuring that the Gatwick office has the people and talent required to support the area’s mid-market businesses, coordinating partner team activities and supporting the selection of new partners and directors.
He steps into the shoes of John O’Mahony, Grant Thornton’s previous Gatwick practice lead, who is stepping down from the role after four years to focus on other responsibilities. During this time, O’Mahony successfully developed Grant Thornton’s team in Crawley and steered it through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
