Grant Thornton UK has unveiled a plan to substantially grow its leadership ranks, announcing it will recruit 160 new partners over the next two years as part of a sweeping strategy to accelerate firmwide growth. The move marks one of the most significant partnership expansion initiatives in the UK professional services sector. It comes on the heels of the firm’s landmark transaction with global private equity firm Cinven.
The firm currently has 280 partners and has already made 40 partner appointments this year. Its strategy combines internal promotions with targeted external recruitment, supported by partnerships with executive search firms Korn Ferry and Wilton & Bain. Grant Thornton is also collaborating with an advisory firm to enhance its partner selection process and integrate more data-driven performance evaluation methods.
Grant Thornton’s transaction with Cinven, completed six months ago, made it the most significant UK professional services business to secure external equity investment, prompting a shift in its traditional partnership structure. Since then, the firm has invested heavily in talent development and technology, including an expansive data- and digital-mindset training initiative. New reward schemes, including an Employee Benefit Trust and an exceptional bonus program, have also been introduced.
The firm’s redesigned partner model offers a mix of immediate and long-term incentives. According to Grant Thornton, this structure typically delivers a reward package with a 50% premium to market rate, supported by tailored onboarding and leadership development programs. The firm describes the environment as one built for ambitious leaders looking to contribute meaningfully to future growth.
Grant Thornton is also strengthening its director-level pipeline through a blend of internal promotions and external hiring to ensure a robust flow of future partner candidates.
KEY QUOTES
“2025 has been a transformative year for our firm, as we reimagined what the multi-disciplinary professional services partnership of the future should look like – combining equity ownership with external investment from Cinven to unlock unprecedented competitiveness. We have an exceptionally ambitious growth plan and we know our strong brand, unique operating model and industry-leading quality will continue to drive our momentum over the years to come.”
“Our industry is changing at an unprecedented speed, and the evolution of our business model puts us in prime position to capitalise on these dynamics. Joining our partnership means joining something genuinely unique and special, so we’re excited to share this opportunity with many more people whose values and ambitions are aligned with ours.”
Malcolm Gomersall, CEO, Grant Thornton UK
