I was appointed head of asset management for Grant Thornton’s multinational industry practice in May. In this role, I collaborate with our global network of asset management professionals to deliver integrated audit, tax and advisory solutions. By combining international insight with local expertise through dedicated points of contact, we simplify complexity, reduce friction and remove the hassle for clients operating across multiple markets.
The group I lead is made up of industry experts across the asset management ecosystem. My day-to-day team is based in Ireland, where we service asset managers and service providers across finance, accounting and reporting solutions. My multinational role means I get to work with our audit, tax and advisory services lines across multiple jurisdictions. I also serve as global head of asset management for the Grant Thornton International Network, which comprises member firms in more than 150 markets worldwide.
It is challenging to avoid being overly reactive while events move at such a rapid pace
My priorities for the year ahead are to strengthen and connect our community of industry experts, ensuring we continue to deliver the best possible solutions for our clients. I’ll also maintain a strong future focus – tracking industry trends and developments so we can plan ahead and help clients navigate both emerging opportunities and evolving challenges.
The current business environment is highly volatile. Shaping it are geopolitical changes, including tariffs, and the speed and impact of new technologies, specifically AI. While the asset management sector can thrive on change, it is also challenging to avoid being overly reactive and, instead, trust your longer-term strategy and direction while events move at such a rapid pace. Having a strong multinational platform that clients can rely on has been so important in recent months.
Grant Thornton has gone through exciting and unprecedented change this year with the integration of our multidisciplinary, multinational platform. The US, Ireland, the UAE, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Luxembourg were among the first countries to join the new platform. This creates significant opportunities through increased investment in our technology, talent and products. We are really excited about our future and how our new model allows us add value to our internationally growing client base.
ACCA has given me many options in my career. It has allowed me to work in industry and subsequently move into professional services. It is a badge of quality – transferable and recognisable across industries and locations. Looking at associates in our organisation now who are studying for the ACCA qualification, I can also see how it has evolved, with new modules and focus areas that reflect the changes in our business and technology environments.
You shouldn’t be too hard on yourself when things are not going right
I love to get outdoors, be that playing tennis, hiking or practising yoga. As a mum to three boys, I’m kept busy and spend a lot of time on the side of sports pitches. I love to read but don’t get through as many books as I’d like. I can recommend my most recent pick, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver – a modern reinterpretation of Dickens’ David Copperfield.
The most important business lesson I have learned in my career is that ‘this too will pass’. Whether good times or hard times, they all come and go. You shouldn’t be too hard on yourself when things are not going right, but also not overly complacent on the upswings – keeping going and staying in the game is key.
