Seth Siegel, who has been CEO of top 10 accounting firm Grant Thornton since August 2022, announced on LinkedIn Wednesday that he was stepping down from his post and will transition to a senior advisor role with the firm.
Siegel most recently served as chief executive of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, the firm’s advisory and non-attest business, which took shape after Grant Thornton moved to an alternative practice structure following its sale of a majority stake to private equity group New Mountain Capital last May. He also oversaw the firm’s executive committee. Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed CPA firm, provides attest services to clients and is currently led by Janet Malzone.
According to Siegel’s LinkedIn post and a statement from Grant Thornton, Jim Peko, who had been chief operating officer of Grant Thornton Advisors, was appointed CEO.
Siegel wrote on LinkedIn Wednesday:
With Grant Thornton (US) poised for strong continued growth, I have made the decision that now is the right time for me to step down as CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and transition to a senior advisor role, allowing me to pursue other ambitions, focus on my health and spend more time with my family.
James A. Peko (Jim), current chief operating officer at the firm, will become the CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and lead our global platform spanning the US, Ireland and other territories.
Jim and I have worked closely together for many years, and he is the right leader for this new chapter—one who knows Grant Thornton well and has been integral to our many recent accomplishments and our quality-focused delivery.
I have called Grant Thornton home for almost three decades and I am proud to have been part of this amazing team and organization, which has solidified its standing as the destination of choice for clients and talent alike.
Siegel took over as CEO of Grant Thornton following the retirement of Brad Preber in July 2022. He joined the Chicago-based firm in 1996 and became a partner in 2006. Siegel previously was Grant Thornton’s managing partner for South Florida, led the firm’s Florida audit practice, and served on the Grant Thornton Partnership Board.
Prior to his role as COO, Peko served as national managing principal of the firm’s Advisory Services practice, where he oversaw the strategic direction and operations of the firm’s advisory services offerings. Peko joined Grant Thornton in 2006 following stints at Big Four accounting firms Deloitte and EY, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“I thank Seth for all he has done to help transform Grant Thornton so adeptly for the future. He has been a colleague, mentor, and friend to so many of us, and a tireless advocate for the firm’s best interests,” Peko said in a statement. “As CEO, my priorities will focus on accelerating our current business strategy and solidifying our standing in the marketplace as a unique global platform, driven by quality, culture, and differentiated capabilities. We will continue to be the employer of choice for the industry and always capitalize on compelling opportunities before us as we drive meaningful growth.”
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Tags: Accounting, Advisory, Firm Management
