Grant Thornton UK has appointed Stuart Quickenden as chairman and promoted David Mountjoy to partner to lead financial modelling. Both moves strengthen leadership and technical expertise as the firm continues to navigate private equity ownership and support FTSE 350 and mid-market clients.
Grant Thornton UK has appointed Stuart Quickenden, former managing partner at Boston Consulting Group, as its new chairman, while promoting David Mountjoy to partner to lead the firm’s financial modelling team.
Both moves mark a significant reshaping of leadership at the UK mid-tier accountancy firm following the sale of a majority stake to private equity group Cinven.
Quickenden, who is also chairman of Octopus Investments, brings strategic advisory experience and governance expertise to Grant Thornton as it continues its post-private equity transition.
His appointment comes nearly nine months after the UK partners approved Cinven’s investment, which valued the firm at around £1.5bn.
Grant Thornton audits a number of FTSE 350 companies, while its restructuring division is involved in the administration of Greensill Capital, which has been linked to the liquidation of Speciality Steels UK.
Quickenden’s leadership is expected to guide the firm through a period of market consolidation and private equity influence in professional services.
Meanwhile, David Mountjoy, who joined Grant Thornton in 2013, has been promoted to partner and will now lead the financial modelling team. He brings two decades of professional services experience, including 15 years specialising in financial modelling.
Mountjoy will oversee work spanning transactions, fundraising, strategic planning, restructuring, insolvency, and valuations. His promotion underscores the firm’s focus on expanding technical capabilities and supporting clients navigating complex market conditions.
Tomas Freyman, UK leader for valuations and modelling, said Mountjoy’s elevation reflects Grant Thornton’s commitment to developing homegrown talent while strengthening advisory services.
Mountjoy noted that robust financial models are increasingly critical amid economic volatility, allowing businesses to assess risks and potential outcomes with greater precision.
Grant Thornton UK, which employs over 5,000 professionals serving more than 40,000 businesses, is part of a global network of 76,000 people across 150 countries.
These leadership moves signal a continued investment in both strategic oversight and technical excellence, enhancing the firm’s capacity to support clients and maintain its position just below the Big Four in the UK audit and advisory market.
