Having served as chief operating officer since 2019, Gomersall was elected by the firm’s partners to lead the firm for an initial three-year term, one year shorter than the usual four-year period.

Gomersall takes over from Dave Dunckley and has been assuming the responsibilities of CEO following Dunckley’s decision to step down from the role earlier this month.

An audit partner by training, Gomersall has been with the firm for more than 20 years and served in various leadership positions throughout this time, including as head of London audit and tax, and as head of people and client experience, prior to taking on the role of COO.

Gomersall said: ‘I am immensely proud of the progress our firm has made over the past few years and I look forward to continuing this momentum in the years to come.

‘The foundations we have in place mean Grant Thornton is a distinguished leader in quality and our inclusive culture is something which sets us apart to talent, providing significant growth opportunities ahead for us.’

As part of Grant Thornton’s strategic leadership team, Gomersall served as board sponsor for the firm’s LGBTQIA+ diversity strand, tasked with ensuring representation and promoting inclusion throughout the firm.

At the time Dunckley said: ‘Grant Thornton is a brilliant firm, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved over the past five years. We are trusted to deliver outstanding work for our clients. And we are operating through a period of significant change and growing demand for our work.

‘Over Christmas, I decided it was time to take a break, following a successful five years’ service as CEO. I am confident that I pass a quality operation into the safe hands of my successor and all our partners.’

The leadership appointment followed a vote by the firm’s partners over the last week.

Commenting on the appointment of Gomersall, Imogen Joss, chair of Grant Thornton’s partnership governance board, said: ‘Over the last few years, Grant Thornton has gone from strength to strength, with the strategic leadership team successfully steering the firm through some of the biggest macroeconomic and cultural changes of our time, whilst maintaining a focus on quality of work and the wellbeing of our people.

‘The partnership and I are confident that Malcolm will continue this journey and take the firm to even greater heights.’

During his tenure, Dunckley led the firm through the pandemic, attracted new clients from across the public and private sectors, and made significant investment in staff and culture. The decision was also taken to withdraw from handling FTSE listed audits and the firm has invested significantly in the audit team and technology to improve the quality of the audit activity. It has also allowed the firm to pick up new business where Big Four firms have client conflicts.

Grant Thornton reported 12% net revenue growth to £610m for year end 2022 and 5% profit growth to £121m. This was a significant improvement on performance in 2020 when the firm reported £482m in fee income. The 2023 results are due to be published this spring.