Chris Stefani appointed CFO at Grant Thornton

The UK member firm of Grant Thornton has appointed a new chief financial officer. Chris Stefani also joins the firm as a partner.

Commenting on his appointment, Stefani stated, “I am delighted to be joining Grant Thornton, which 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.”

Dating back to 1904, Grant Thornton has more than 5,500 employees across 20 offices in the UK – with more than 240 partners. Grant Thornton has not had a CFO for its UK wing before, with the role created after the firm’s recent investment from Cinven.

The Cinven deal saw the private equity firm draw on its deep knowhow in the financial and business services, to help build Grant Thornton’s platform, and invest in its sustained growth. Following the completion of the deal, Grant Thornton’s partner base remain invested in the business, as a significant shareholder alongside Cinven funds.

Stefani will be part of that partnership, as he arrives at Grant Thronton from law firm DWF. There, he also served as CFO, and played a key role in the firm’s IPO, its time as a public company and its transition following private equity investment. Prior to that, he also spent 17 years with EY, where he was latterly its EMEIA advisory group’s finance director.

Looking ahead, as Grant Thornton’s CFO, he will become a member of the Grant Thornton’s UK strategic leadership team. Meanwhile, he will become an observer on the firm’s board, supporting the firm’s strategic ambitions and financial resilience. 

Grant Thornton’s UK CEO Malcolm Gomersall 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 that firm build on its market leading position and further establish itself as a leader in the business services and financial advice space. Chris’ experience and wealth of talent will play a huge role in helping steer us along our journey. My colleagues and I look forward very much to welcoming him and working with him as a key member of the Grant Thornton UK team.”