Grant Thornton International appoints new global leader - specialist advisory services

19 December 2008

David Fisher has been appointed as the new global leader - specialist advisory services (SAS) for Grant Thornton International, the global accounting organisation, from 1 January 2009. Fisher replaces Scott Barnes who takes over as CEO of the UK member firm of Grant Thornton International. SAS generated combined global revenues of over US$1 billion in 2008, 25% of Grant Thornton International global revenues.

Fisher moves from the role of executive director - SAS where over the last two years he has played a major role in implementing the global SAS strategy and developed a close working relationship with many of the 90+ member firms around the world. Said Fisher, "Specialist advisory services is the youngest and fastest growing part of the Grant Thornton business and my priority is to continue to build our global capability by focusing on training, risk management and business development. Whether identifying and resolving supply chain weaknesses for a global corporate or providing specialist corporate finance advice to a private equity house, I am confident the SAS business will continue to attract global clients looking for specialist solutions, even in the current, challenging, climate."

David McDonnell, CEO of Grant Thornton International said, "At this challenging time for economies around the world I am delighted to welcome David Fisher to the global leadership board and look forward to working with him as we continue to implement our global strategy for specialist advisory services.

Fisher previously worked for Grant Thornton UK where he became a partner in 1980 specialising in corporate finance.

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For further information please contact:

Christine Hobart

International communications manager

T +44 (0) 20 7391 9548

E christine.hobart@gtuk.com