Romanovitch to take Grant Thornton top job as Barnes moves on
Sacha Romanovitch to serve as Grant Thornton CEO, as Scott Barnes moves into international role
SACHA ROMANOVITCH is to lead Grant Thornton in the UK, taking over from Scott Barnes next year.
Romanovitch will become CEO next June, after Barnes has served two four-year terms during which the GT has grown revenues to more than £500m from £387m.
Most recently, Romanovitch served as leader of the firm’s fast-growing advisory practice in London, having previously led its audit and tax practice.
Barnes will become chairman for Grant Thornton International, and the pair will work closely together over the next six months during the handover process.
Romanovitch said she was “exhilarated” to be taking over the position. “Embedding a strong brand and an empowered culture is critical to our on-going success. I firmly believe our firm, our clients and the wider success of the UK economy will depend on our ability to unleash talent and ideas from every section of society. From my experience one needs to do that intentionally – and when you do it makes a big difference.”
She has been part of Barnes’ leadership team since 2008, where her focus has been developing people and the firm’s culture. Building on the work done internally, Romanovitch has also worked with significant external clients, advising on their cultural change programmes.
She is chair of the Patron Group for Access Accountancy, the profession-wide initiative to increase diversity.
Barnes said: “She led the work we undertook with stakeholders to imagine how the future environment in which we will operate will look, which has informed the shape of our strategy into the future. I’m looking forward to seeing the bold moves that Sacha will no doubt make, to continue our status as a ‘category of one’. As for myself, I am pleased to stay involved in the wider Grant Thornton organisation, and delighted to be confirmed chair of the Grant Thornton International board.”
Grant Thornton is ranked 5th in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50 Survey of firms, with revenues of £505.5m. It won the Top 50 Pensions Team of the Year in the 2014 British Accountancy Awards.