Business and finance adviser Grant Thornton in Birmingham has appointed David Hillan as its new practice leader.
Hillan heads Grant Thornton’s Birmingham-based corporate and international tax practice, having joined the firm in 2011. Over the last four years, Hillan has grown the corporate and employment tax business, resulting in a doubling of revenues and a team of over 30 tax specialists.
Hillan takes over from Dave Munton, who has held the pivotal role in Birmingham for six years, during which time the office has doubled to over 300 people and become one of the strongest of Grant Thornton’s 25 UK offices, with annual fee income in excess of £25m. Munton will continue to be based in the city, working closely with his clients while taking on an expanded regional managing partner position, encompassing Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.
David Hillan said: “Dave has led the Birmingham office very successfully over the last six years, establishing Grant Thornton as the go-to advisory firm for growing businesses in the West Midlands. Under his leadership we have seen a tangible shift in culture to one which is not only energetic and ambitious, but one which also takes a totally collaborative approach across all of our service lines. The development and growth of talent during this time has also been fantastic, with us now having one of the strongest and best regarded teams in the Midlands. Without exception, everyone works together to help clients achieve their goals, whether they are operating in the public sector, are entrepreneurial family-owned businesses, listed companies or private equity-backed enterprises.”
Dave Munton added: “Since David joined us, he has introduced new clients to the firm and attracted some highly skilled people to the already strong team, particularly in the area of international tax. The large majority of our clients are now actively seeking growth overseas and this is where our extensive global network comes into its own.
“Developing talent is known as a Grant Thornton strength, as shown by the recent promotion to partner of Sue Knight and Becky Eagle and as a consequence we are constantly approached by quality people who want to come and join us. I know that as David leads the Birmingham office into the future he will maintain this ethos, developing both people and services for the benefit of our clients’ businesses. I wish him every success.”