Wilton & Bain Partners with Grant Thornton UK to Drive Expansion
November 19, 2025 – Wilton & Bain has been named as a strategic search partner to Grant Thornton UK in its bold plan to expand its partnership and accelerate firm growth. As part of its announcement, Grant Thornton confirmed plans to recruit 160 new partners over the next two years.
“It’s a genuine privilege for the team and me to be supporting Grant Thornton with this ambitious and exciting growth plan under private equity ownership,” said Gary Landes, global managing partner, professional services at Wilton & Bain. “Beyond the clear alignment between Grant Thornton’s needs and Wilton & Bain’s capability to deliver, we have all been struck by the very natural fit in culture and values. Delivering a recruitment project of this scale is almost unprecedented, and the number of roles we’re planning makes it a truly significant undertaking. We’re committed and ready to rise to the occasion, and the sense of being ‘in it together’ as genuine partners is refreshing. We are excited by what lies ahead.”
“To attract the very best talent across audit, tax and advisory, the firm is partnering with leading executive search firms Korn Ferry and Wilton & Bain, while working with an advisory firm to strengthen its partner selection process and embed data-driven performance insights,” Grant Thornton UK said. “For more than 25 years, Wilton & Bain has been a trusted partner to the global professional services sector, advising boards, C-suites and investors on leadership decisions that drive growth, resilience, and long-term value.”
Grant Thornton International Ltd. is a global network of independent accounting, assurance, tax and advisory firms operating in 156 markets and employing roughly 76,000 people worldwide. Founded through the merging of U.S. and U.K. firms, the network provides services ranging from audit and tax compliance to strategic advisory, technology transformation and risk management across both private and public-sector clients.
Related: Wilton & Bain Appoints U.S. Advisor
Established in 2001, Wilton & Bain is twice backed by investor Beechbrook Capital. With offices in London, New York, Austin, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Dubai, the firm provides executive search and interim management services to the professional, financial, technology & digital services sectors.
New North American People & Culture Practice Leader
Wilton & Bain recently named Jacob Humbert as partner, leading the North American people & culture practice. He will be based in the U.S. and joins the firm’s North American leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Jacob to the North American leadership team to drive our office of the CHRO capability in the region,” said John Wittorf, North America managing partner at Wilton & Bain. “We have been searching for someone like Jacob, and I’m delighted we were patient enough to find him. Culturally, he feels like he’s been part of the group for years, and his expertise will be a tremendous advantage as we continue to attract and develop top talent. Welcome to the team, Jacob!”
Wilton & Bain Expands Global Interim Practice
Wilton & Bain has added Jack Syred as partner in the firm’s global interim practice. He will lead executive interim appointments that drive transformation and value creation within private equity-backed businesses. “We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Jack Syred to Wilton & Bain’s interim business,” said James Humphreys, managing partner. “His proven track record as a trusted, high-integrity partner in safely delivering top-tier transformation and value creation experts to investors and their portfolio companies will be invaluable as we continue to build our reputation for excellence in this space. We’re confident Jack’s energy and expertise will drive significant success for our interim team and the broader group across Europe and beyond.”
Mr. Humbert brings a wealth of experience to Wilton & Bain. He previously spent over five years at Jobplex/DHR Global, where he was recognized as a top partner within the corporate functions practice group, placing emerging leaders and C-suite executives worldwide. Earlier in his career, Mr. Humbert served as vice president of recruiting and managing partner at The Christopher Group, leading searches for HR and executive leaders for some of the largest and fastest-growing companies in the U.S.
Wilton & Bain also recently named Olly Wakefield as chief client officer and a member of the senior leadership team. He is based at the firm’s London headquarters. “We’ve waited a long time, but I am delighted to welcome Olly to Wilton & Bain’s senior leadership team as chief client officer,” said David Heron, CEO of Wilton & Bain. “He will take central responsibility for leading all sales and marketing activity across the Group, while continuing his focus on private equity clients within our global network. Olly brings fantastic experience, positive energy, and a great sense of humor. We are excited to work with him.”
Related: Wilton & Bain Appoints Managing Partners
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
