Grant Thornton names Thea Hutchinson director in economic consulting wing

Thea Hutchinson has been announced as a director with Grant Thornton. She takes on the role in the firm’s UK economic consulting practice.

Joel Strange, economics consulting partner, said, “Clients operating in regulated industries face increasingly complex decisions where the commercial, policy and regulatory pressures rarely move in step. They need advice that cuts through that complexity and gives them a clear basis for action. Thea’s experience at some of the most consequential moments in UK regulation makes her a real asset to the team and to our clients.”

Grant Thornton’s UK member firm is led by more than 200 partners, and powered by 5,500 staff. The firm’s economic consulting practice works with clients across regulated industries on pricing strategy, regulatory submissions, market analysis and policy engagement.

Hutchinson brings extensive experience across water, transport, energy and financial services, having advised boards and shaped multi-billion-pound contracts throughout her career. Based in London, she will work with Grant Thornton’s Advisory team to support clients operating in complex regulated environments.

She joins from Ofwat, the water services regulator, where she served as director with responsibility across a range of areas including the price review process. Prior to that, she held the role of director of regulation at NATS, the UK’s air traffic services provider. Her background spans think-tanks, government bodies and economic regulators, giving her a strong command of the commercial, policy and regulatory considerations that shape major investment decisions. 

Hutchinson added, “What drew me to Grant Thornton was the quality of the people and a genuinely collaborative way of working. I’ve seen that first-hand, and I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to bear on some genuinely interesting work.”