Business and financial adviser Grant Thornton in Birmingham has boosted its commercial audit and office leadership teams with the promotion of John Coates to director.
Mr Coates joined Grant Thornton in 2016 from Jaguar Land Rover, where he was responsible for external financial reporting and financial process improvement across the group. Prior to that, he had worked for a Big 4 firm for over 18 years.
Experienced in all areas of commercial assurance for companies across a wide range of industry sectors, John Coates’ new directorship will build on his work with the firm’s larger and more complex clients across the West Midlands. He will also take an active role in overseeing the training and development of talented individuals within the Birmingham office.
Becky Eagle, partner and head of Grant Thornton’s 100-strong commercial audit department in Birmingham, said: “John’s promotion is very well-deserved. Not only is he highly technically skilled, but he also possesses strong commercial acumen gained from working in industry, which brings a different perspective and insight to his work. We’re increasingly approached by and winning work for companies with significant ambitions for growth, both in the UK and overseas, and John’s promotion is a further investment in the partner and director team that will help them do just that.”
John Coates said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Grant Thornton’s local leadership team at such an exciting time for the Birmingham office, helping to drive its future direction and strategy. In the many conversations we’ve had with clients over the last year, the consistent theme is that they are intent on continuing to grow their businesses, despite the challenges presented by Brexit.”
David Hillan, practice leader at Grant Thornton in Birmingham, concluded: “John’s promotion supports the ambitious growth plans we have as an office. As the region continues to play an increasingly vital role in the economic health of UK plc many businesses are seeking our help to address their business challenges, be it audit, tax or wider advisory. Having people within our team of John’s quality helps us to deliver such services to our growing client base.”
