A mid-tier accountancy firm has made its first foray into the north-east with the opening of a new office and a key hire.
Grant Thornton, which has Scottish offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, has poached former Simmons & Company vice president Ian Knott as its director of corporate finance in the Granite city.
The business and financial advisory firm said it made the move to Aberdeen as part of its strategy to “meet the needs of clients in the disruption era”.
It added that recruitment is now underway to establish a “dedicated team of experts” based at its offices at 46 Queen’s Road.
Rob Caven, Grant Thornton’s and head of advisory in Scotland, said the move north was a good idea despite the economic downturn in the city.
He said the business was “confident that both Grant Thornton and Aberdeen will have a sustainable, successful future”.
He added: “The region has been hit hard by the oil and gas downturn and wider economic and political uncertainty, but its rich mix of industry reflects the resilience that drives the Granite City. By focusing on stimulating new ideas and tapping in to the potential of the north east, we believe there will continue to be significant opportunities to create an even more vibrant economy.”
Mr Knott brings to his new role a decade of experience in Aberdeen. The Durham University graduate was in his senior role at Simmons for almost three years after stints at KPMG and PWC.
Mr Caven said: “It’s also great having Ian Knott on board to help drive forward this new practice. We’re delighted to welcome such a knowledgeable, experienced corporate finance advisor to the team. Our objective is long term growth throughout Scotland, and we believe the north of Scotland will play a key role in helping to deliver that success.”
