Latest news with #JimPeko


Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Grant Thornton launches new tool, pairing skilled professionals with powerful AI agents
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grant Thornton, one of America's largest providers of end-to-end audit, assurance, tax and advisory services, announced today the launch of a new, proprietary artificial intelligence solution, CompliAI ™. CompliAI is part of a broader transformation in how Grant Thornton's professionals help clients control and assess risks and address their most pressing business needs. Grant Thornton developed CompliAI using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, allowing it to operate as a fully integrated web application that enhances and streamlines the compliance process for service delivery teams. The platform uses advanced AI capabilities, including GenAI Assistants and a GPT Model Series. Grant Thornton's professionals can now conduct tasks in minutes that would have traditionally taken days or weeks, which means clients can enjoy high quality operational insights more quickly and cost-effectively. 'CompliAI is the beginning of Grant Thornton's wider adoption of AI and next generation solutions,' said Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. 'We are seamlessly integrating new technology into daily workflows and using it to make data-driven decisions — while also building AI into a range of services that help clients gain a distinct competitive advantage.' Peko adds that: 'The result will be world class service, further establishing us as the provider of choice for clients and professionals alike.' 'This new tool helps our professionals focus more of their time on meaningful engagement with our clients and provides more rapid insights,' said Mike Kempe, chief information officer of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. 'Our firm is laser focused on giving our people what they need to drive additional value.' "We are pleased to see Grant Thornton's successful rollout of CompliAI,' said Brian Willson, vice president at Microsoft. 'It's a testament to the relationship between Grant Thornton and Microsoft. Grant Thornton's commitment to using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service is resulting in transformative solutions that increase efficiency, accuracy and value for their clients. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of driving innovation and excellence in the industry." An intelligent AI agent for every professional The CompliAI ™ rollout comes as Grant Thornton is actively expanding its use of AI across the full range of functions at the firm, from audit and assurance services to tax and advisory offerings. Integrating new technology into daily workflows helps Grant Thornton drive more sophisticated, personalized and data-driven decision-making to clients. In May 2025, Accounting Today named Grant Thornton one of its 2025 Best Firms for Technology — citing the 'three tiers of [the firm's] successful technology strategy: application modernization, data centralization and AI integration.' According to Kempe: 'Grant Thornton seeks to seamlessly weave AI into key aspects of our quality-focused service delivery and daily workflows, with platforms like CompliAI serving as an early example. To realize this vision, we are implementing a phased AI maturity model, providing our client service professionals access to AI tools that work with them and enhance their ability to provide proactive insights.' Jeanna Shapiro, chief people and culture officer of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, emphasized the focus on empowering Grant Thornton's workforce: 'Our people are at the core of our AI strategy. We are dedicated to equipping them with the right tools and training to excel in an AI-driven landscape. By leveraging AI, we help our professionals concentrate on higher-value engagement, foster innovation and deliver superior results for our clients.' In addition to investments in Grant Thornton's own AI infrastructure, the firm continues to invest further in supporting clients with their evaluation and implementation of technology and AI-enabled solutions through its Advisory service line. Tom Puthiyamadam, Grant Thornton's national managing principal for Advisory Services, commented: 'The ever evolving commercial and technology landscape means business leaders need to deploy technology which can unlock new opportunities to drive measurable value as well as make their businesses more resilient. Our technology and AI advisory professionals are well positioned to guide clients along that journey, now with the additional insights from Grant Thornton's own evolution in AI.' The firm's embrace of AI is fueled by its recent growth investment led by New Mountain Capital — and by its recently-created multinational platform, which is expanding to include the U.S., Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Luxembourg, the Cayman Islands, and other territories. 'We are big believers in the power of people plus technology and are excited to empower Grant Thornton's growth with additional investment in the latest technology and cutting-edge AI solutions for the benefit of clients, partners and staff,' added Andre Moura, managing director at New Mountain Capital. [Watch Grant Thornton's video about CompliAI here.] More on CompliAI ™ CompliAI ™ features a comprehensive suite of tools, including dashboards, task management, in-app commenting, notifications, a methodology document library, and a centralized file repository. These tools enable engagement teams to collaborate more effectively, access critical information faster, and manage projects with greater efficiency. It also automates key tasks such as risk and control rationalization, question and procedure generation, and document request list creation. 'CompliAI embodies the direction Grant Thornton is going, not just for this service, but for many of our offerings,' said Wes Luckock, senior director and Advisory product leader at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, and one of the co-creators of CompliAI ™. About Grant Thornton Grant Thornton delivers professional services in the US through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. In January 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier transatlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. In April 2025, Grant Thornton UAE also joined the multinational platform. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland, the UAE and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture. Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 'Grant Thornton' refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients. About New Mountain Capital New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit and net lease investment strategies with approximately $55 billion in assets under management. New Mountain Capital seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC's multinational platform grows to include Grant Thornton Netherlands
CHICAGO & AMSTERDAM, May 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (Grant Thornton Advisors) today announced that Grant Thornton Netherlands is joining the multinational platform it established earlier this year with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform is backed by an investor group led by New Mountain Capital, a growth-oriented investment firm with approximately $55 billion in assets under management. Last month, three Grant Thornton firms in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas closed or signed agreements to join the platform. Joining the platform will allow Grant Thornton Netherlands to offer enhanced services to new and existing clients across markets, underpinned by investments in quality, innovation, and seamless client-centric delivery. Grant Thornton Netherlands's team of almost 800 professionals across eight Dutch offices will join the platform's nearly 13,000 team members in almost 60 offices. The expanded platform remains part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which comprises member firms in more than 150 markets worldwide. Marcel Blöte, CEO of Grant Thornton Netherlands, will remain in his current position as head of that geography. The audit practice of Grant Thornton Netherlands will operate independently under an alternative practice structure. "By uniting with preeminent high-growth firms such as Grant Thornton Netherlands, we've established a world-class service provider platform spanning multinational markets," said Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors. "We will continue to solidify our standing as the industry's destination of choice for clients and team members alike, providing a singular experience focused on quality and unparalleled service delivery." "We welcome Grant Thornton Netherlands to our expanded platform," said Steve Tennant, managing partner of Grant Thornton in Ireland, who leads international M&A on behalf of Grant Thornton Advisors. "The Dutch firm brings complementary ambition and talent as we look to extend our capabilities, services and geographic reach to benefit our clients and our people." According to Netherlands's Blöte: "Joining forces with Grant Thornton Advisors empowers us to deliver enhanced value for clients as a diversified platform poised for growth and expansion. We'll be able to offer our people extremely attractive paths for career development, while maintaining our hallmark entrepreneurial culture and commitment to quality. Collectively, we will ensure our status as a top 10 firm in our market well into the future — one that can flexibly respond to a dynamic market and changing regulations." "We're bringing the highest quality and fastest growing firms together into one truly integrated global platform," said Andre Moura, managing director, New Mountain Capital. "Grant Thornton Netherlands is a perfect example of this — delivering the quality, expertise and industry specialization integral to the world-class client experience we're creating." The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals and other standard closing conditions. About the platformGrant Thornton delivers professional services in the US through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. Grant Thornton Ireland is a leading multinational professional services firm with approximately 2,800 people in offices across the island of Ireland, Bermuda, Isle of Man and Gibraltar. Their tax, audit and advisory teams work with organizations across sectors including technology, insurance, asset management, banking, life sciences, and aviation, as well as the public sector. In January 2025, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier advisory and tax practice, as well as independent audit practices. In April 2025, Grant Thornton UAE also joined the multinational platform. With $2.7 billion in revenues and almost 60 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland, the UAE and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of almost 13,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture. Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. "Grant Thornton" refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients. About Grant Thornton NetherlandsGrant Thornton Netherlands is a member of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL), one of the world's largest networks of independent accounting and advisory organisations with over 73,000 professionals in more than 150 markets. From eight Dutch offices, over 800 professionals support clients with advice and assistance in the field of accountancy, tax and (financial) advisory issues About New Mountain CapitalNew Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit and net lease investment strategies with approximately $55 billion in assets under management. New Mountain Capital seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit View source version on Contacts Grant Thornton US Jon RucketT: +1 404 984 6249E: Grant Thornton Ireland Fiona MacCarthyT: +353870000107E: Grant Thornton Netherlands Sabrina ThoenT: 31627186855E: Sign in to access your portfolio


Business Wire
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC's multinational platform grows to include Grant Thornton Netherlands
CHICAGO & AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (Grant Thornton Advisors) today announced that Grant Thornton Netherlands is joining the multinational platform it established earlier this year with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform is backed by an investor group led by New Mountain Capital, a growth-oriented investment firm with approximately $55 billion in assets under management. Last month, three Grant Thornton firms in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas closed or signed agreements to join the platform. Joining the platform will allow Grant Thornton Netherlands to offer enhanced services to new and existing clients across markets, underpinned by investments in quality, innovation, and seamless client-centric delivery. Grant Thornton Netherlands's team of almost 800 professionals across eight Dutch offices will join the platform's nearly 13,000 team members in almost 60 offices. The expanded platform remains part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which comprises member firms in more than 150 markets worldwide. Marcel Blöte, CEO of Grant Thornton Netherlands, will remain in his current position as head of that geography. The audit practice of Grant Thornton Netherlands will operate independently under an alternative practice structure. 'By uniting with preeminent high-growth firms such as Grant Thornton Netherlands, we've established a world-class service provider platform spanning multinational markets,' said Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors. 'We will continue to solidify our standing as the industry's destination of choice for clients and team members alike, providing a singular experience focused on quality and unparalleled service delivery.' 'We welcome Grant Thornton Netherlands to our expanded platform,' said Steve Tennant, managing partner of Grant Thornton in Ireland, who leads international M&A on behalf of Grant Thornton Advisors. 'The Dutch firm brings complementary ambition and talent as we look to extend our capabilities, services and geographic reach to benefit our clients and our people.' According to Netherlands's Blöte: 'Joining forces with Grant Thornton Advisors empowers us to deliver enhanced value for clients as a diversified platform poised for growth and expansion. We'll be able to offer our people extremely attractive paths for career development, while maintaining our hallmark entrepreneurial culture and commitment to quality. Collectively, we will ensure our status as a top 10 firm in our market well into the future — one that can flexibly respond to a dynamic market and changing regulations.' 'We're bringing the highest quality and fastest growing firms together into one truly integrated global platform,' said Andre Moura, managing director, New Mountain Capital. 'Grant Thornton Netherlands is a perfect example of this — delivering the quality, expertise and industry specialization integral to the world-class client experience we're creating.' The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to regulatory approvals and other standard closing conditions. About the platform Grant Thornton delivers professional services in the US through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. Grant Thornton Ireland is a leading multinational professional services firm with approximately 2,800 people in offices across the island of Ireland, Bermuda, Isle of Man and Gibraltar. Their tax, audit and advisory teams work with organizations across sectors including technology, insurance, asset management, banking, life sciences, and aviation, as well as the public sector. In January 2025, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier advisory and tax practice, as well as independent audit practices. In April 2025, Grant Thornton UAE also joined the multinational platform. With $2.7 billion in revenues and almost 60 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland, the UAE and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of almost 13,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture. Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 'Grant Thornton' refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients. About Grant Thornton Netherlands Grant Thornton Netherlands is a member of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL), one of the world's largest networks of independent accounting and advisory organisations with over 73,000 professionals in more than 150 markets. From eight Dutch offices, over 800 professionals support clients with advice and assistance in the field of accountancy, tax and (financial) advisory issues About New Mountain Capital New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit and net lease investment strategies with approximately $55 billion in assets under management. New Mountain Capital seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit


Business Wire
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Grant Thornton releases 2024 ESG report highlighting progress towards sustainability, inclusion and growth
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grant Thornton, one of America's largest brands of professionals providing end-to-end audit, assurance, tax and advisory services, has released its sixth annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which highlights the firm's progress towards achieving key sustainability goals throughout fiscal and calendar year 2024 and reinforces its commitment to making Grant Thornton an exemplary place to work. The report outlines key milestones in the firm's sustainability journey, including approval of its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and investment in renewable energy certificates (RECs) to help reduce emissions. In calendar year 2024, Grant Thornton reduced its overall GHG emissions by 40% from its 2019 baseline, making strong progress toward its 2030 goal of a 55% reduction. In addition, the firm again earned a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis, one of the world's largest providers of business sustainability ratings, which recognized the firm's ongoing excellence in sustainability practices. 'At Grant Thornton, how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver,' said Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. 'Our commitment to responsible and ethical governance is foundational to the trust we build with clients. Running our business responsibly, fostering inclusion and advancing sustainability efforts isn't just smart business, it's the right thing to do. It's how we create lasting value for our clients, our people and our communities.' The report also emphasizes Grant Thornton's long-standing dedication to inclusion and belonging — a core component of its growth strategy and a top ESG priority for employees. In the past year, the firm: Was named one of the 'Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion' by the Disability Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year. Achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index for the eighth consecutive year. Ranked #36 out of 500 businesses on Forbes' 'America's Best Employers for Diversity' list. 'We're committed to creating a workplace where teammates can bring the best of themselves,' said Rashada Whitehead, national managing principal, Culture, Communications & Inclusion. 'While we take pride in the recognitions we've received, our focus remains on listening to our people, driving continuous growth and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.' Professional development also remained a priority in 2024. Grant Thornton colleagues earned more than 4,000 credentials through the firm's industry-recognized digital badging program. The firm's learning and development initiatives also received top honors from Brandon Hall Group — a human capital management research and advisory firm — including three Gold awards for its audit manager workshop, its industry badging program and a coaching and mentoring program. Grant Thornton prepared its ESG report with reference to established external ESG frameworks including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) for the professional and commercial services industry and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The report also describes the alignment of the firm's efforts with relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (U.N. SDGs). To learn more about Grant Thornton's efforts and to download the 2024 ESG Report, visit here. About Grant Thornton In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture. Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 'Grant Thornton' refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.