Barnes named as GT chief exec

Scott Barnes has been crowned as Grant Thornton's new CEO.

When he takes over in December,Barnes will become the third insolvency partner to be handed control of a major firm after Ian Powell and Simon Michaels won the top jobs at PricewaterhouseCooopers and BDO Stoy Hayward.

Barnes set out plans to make the most of Grant Thornton's merger with RSM Robson Rhodes: 'My main objectives in the UK will be to exploit the benefits of the merger which Michael and his team pulled off in 2007 and to ensure that we develop a truly resilient business which is clear about its direction and the markets it serves,' he said.

'I plan to ensure that we exploit our strong international presence which is a key differentiator in many parts of our business and I want to ensure that Grant Thornton continues to be a great place to work.'

Barnes has been global head of specialist advisory services at Grant Thornton International since 2006. He joined the insolvency practice of the firm in 1984, rising to be national head of corporate recovery in 1995 and then head of specialist financial services in 2001 before taking on his current role.

Departing CEO Michael Cleary said: 'Scott has proven himself a natural leader at Grant Thornton and the strength of partner support shows there is confidence among the Partnership that he can maximise the opportunities for the firm in a changing and challenging market. He has a clear vision for the future and I am looking forward to working closely with him over the next five months so that the transition is as smooth as possible.'