J. Michael McGuire named CEO-elect of Grant Thornton
CHICAGO, June 2, 2014 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Grant Thornton LLP Partnership Board announced that, effective immediately, J. Michael (Mike) McGuire, 55, will assume the role as the firm’s chief executive officer (CEO)-elect, succeeding Stephen Chipman on Jan. 1, 2015. McGuire was nominated by the Partnership Board and ratified by the Grant Thornton partners.
McGuire most recently served on the firm’s Senior Leadership Team as national managing partner – operations. In this role, he chaired the firm’s Operating Committee and oversaw the firm’s human resources and marketing and sales teams. In addition, the regional managing partners and the Global Public Sector managing partner reported to him. He also chairs the Grant Thornton Foundation and serves on the Grant Thornton International Ltd Strategic Driver Execution Team.
“Following comprehensive succession planning and a thorough search process, we’re pleased to have found in Mike an exceptional leader to continue to guide Grant Thornton successfully in the future,” said Dave Wedding, chairman of the Partnership Board of Grant Thornton. “He has been instrumental to the growth of the firm, having been involved in numerous high-profile, transformational efforts, including the build out of the firm’s industry program, the successful reinvention of our Marketing & Sales organization, and the advancement of the firm’s talent and culture agenda.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Grant Thornton,” said McGuire. “I am deeply committed to the firm’s values, strategy and furthering the global brand. I look forward to working with our talented people to position the firm for long-term success.”
Previously, McGuire served as the national managing partner of Markets, Industry, People & Culture, and was the managing partner of Grant Thornton’s Carolinas practice, which includes offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., and Columbia, S.C. He also served on the firm’s Partnership Board.
Prior to joining Grant Thornton, McGuire spent 20 years with Arthur Andersen in numerous roles of increasing responsibility, including as Audit practice leader for the Carolinas.
McGuire serves on the board of directors of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and Queens University of Charlotte. He serves as chairman of the board for Advantage Carolina and is co-chair of the Johnson & Wales University Epicurean Society Scholarship Fund.
McGuire received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and management information systems from Bowling Green State University. He is a certified public accountant in North Carolina.
“Mike is well positioned to build off of our very strong market position that Stephen has contributed to in support of the Grant Thornton global network’s vision of serving dynamic organizations in our chosen markets,” added Wedding. “The Partnership Board thanks Stephen for his leadership and enduring commitment to advancing our firm during the last five years.”
As previously announced, the Partnership Board extended Chipman’s term as CEO until Dec. 31, 2014. He was named CEO in 2010 and significant enhancements were made during his tenure — returning the firm to a trajectory of growth and increasing the firm’s revenue by 15 percent during the last two fiscal years. The firm embraced initiatives to better serve its clients through the establishment of a shared services center in India and the launch of the China, India and Japan business groups. The firm extended the breadth and depth of its services through a number of strategic acquisitions, including its acquirement of MarketSphere’s Oracle Solutions business unit, continuing to accelerate the double-digit growth of its Advisory Services. Chipman played a prominent role in the development of a global strategy and brand for the Grant Thornton worldwide organization and transformed the firm’s marketing organization, increasing brand exposure through traditional and social media channels.
About Grant Thornton LLP
Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. In the United States, Grant Thornton has revenues in excess of $1.3 billion and operates 56 offices with more than 500 partners and 6,000 employees. Grant Thornton works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.
“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions.
SOURCE: Grant Thornton LLP