Grant Thornton appoints Lauren Carlyle and Fred Brown to leadership roles

Grant Thornton has selected Fred Brown as the new head of its South West England and Wales practice. He succeeds Lauren Carlyle, who moves into a national role.

Fred Brown has been with the firm for 25 years and is a partner in Grant Thornton’s national forensic and investigation services practice. He typically reports as an expert on business valuation and quantum, including in commercial and high-net-worth private client disputes.

Now, he will lead and grow Grant Thornton’s South West England and Wales practice, a regional team of nearly 300 people across the firm’s Bristol and Cardiff offices. 

Brown said, “I’m really proud to take on the role of South West England & Wales location leader. This is a region with growing momentum and significant opportunity, and our teams in Bristol and Cardiff play a vital role in supporting organisations across the local economy. I have to thank Lauren, whose leadership has played such a key role in strengthening the firm’s regional presence and laying strong foundations for continued growth. I’m looking forward to building on those foundations, continuing to invest in our people, our culture and the quality of service we provide to our clients.”

Carlyle meanwhile moves into a national role as head of pensions. She joined the accounting and consulting firm in 2022 from PwC, where she was a director – and brings more than 22 years of pensions experience to the role. Carlyle takes over from Neil Knights, who will remain with the firm and continue to support its audit offering and wider strategic priorities.

Carlyle added, “As I step into the role of head of UK pensions, I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of our UK pensions offering. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, evolving accounting requirements and heightened expectations around governance and quality, I’m energised by the chance to help ensure our pensions audit work continues to be robust, consistent and trusted by clients, regulators and stakeholders alike.”