Grant Thornton Australia Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Grant Thornton Australia has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial management, technology infrastructure, market positioning, and financial advisory.

Committed to empowering dynamic organizations, Grant Thornton Australia delivers expert business advice to unlock growth potential and drive sustainable success across the Australian market.

Leadership Roles at Grant Thornton Australia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Said Jahani
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michelle Watson
  • Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory - John Askham
  • Chief Technology Officer - Ben Swindale
  • Chief Marketing Officer, National & Head of Industry - Fraser McNaughton
  • Said Jahani - Chief Executive Officer

    Said Jahani, the Chief Executive Officer at Grant Thornton Australia, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational performance of the firm. Overseeing national growth initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between client service delivery and the broader mission of unlocking potential for dynamic organizations. Jahani manages high-level stakeholder relationships and drives the firm's commitment to excellence across all service lines. By fostering a culture of innovation and professional development, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the firm within the complex Australian business landscape. Said Jahani coordinates with the leadership team to refine market strategies and expand the footprint of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term stability and promotes consistent value creation for clients seeking growth-oriented business advisory solutions.
    Said Jahani

    Michelle Watson - Chief Financial Officer

    Michelle Watson, the Chief Financial Officer at Grant Thornton Australia, manages the fiscal health and financial integrity of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains robust liquidity to support ongoing expansion efforts. Watson directs financial reporting processes and monitors compliance with regulatory standards across all regional operations. By analyzing market trends and internal performance data, the Chief Financial Officer provides critical insights that inform strategic decision-making at the executive level. Michelle Watson optimizes internal financial controls to mitigate risk while maximizing operational efficiency. Through the implementation of advanced financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to deliver high-quality advisory services to dynamic clients. Watson maintains fiscal discipline, ensuring the organization remains well-positioned to navigate economic fluctuations and achieve long-term financial objectives.
    Michelle Watson

    John Askham - Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory

    John Askham, the Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory at Grant Thornton Australia, leads specialized consulting engagements focused on optimizing the finance functions of client organizations. Overseeing the delivery of strategic financial advice, the Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory assists businesses in improving reporting accuracy, cash flow management, and capital structure. Askham directs complex advisory projects that help clients navigate financial challenges and unlock growth potential. By applying deep industry expertise, the Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory provides actionable recommendations that enhance the operational performance of client finance departments. John Askham collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate financial advisory services into the broader firm offering. Through the provision of high-level guidance, the Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory supports the long-term success of dynamic organizations. Askham ensures that all advisory work meets the highest standards of professional excellence and contributes to the firm's reputation for delivering impactful business solutions.

    Ben Swindale - Chief Technology Officer

    Ben Swindale, the Chief Technology Officer at Grant Thornton Australia, architects the digital infrastructure and technological capabilities required to support modern business advisory services. Overseeing the integration of advanced software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the firm leverages data analytics to provide superior client insights. Swindale directs cybersecurity initiatives and maintains the integrity of digital assets across the national network. By modernizing internal systems, the Chief Technology Officer enhances operational agility and facilitates seamless collaboration among professional teams. Ben Swindale evaluates emerging technologies to identify opportunities for service innovation and process automation. Through the strategic deployment of cloud-based platforms, the Chief Technology Officer enables the firm to scale efficiently while meeting the evolving demands of a digital-first market. Swindale drives the technological roadmap, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of digital transformation within the accounting and advisory sector.
    Ben Swindale

    Fraser McNaughton - Chief Marketing Officer, National & Head of Industry

    Fraser McNaughton, the Chief Marketing Officer, National & Head of Industry at Grant Thornton Australia, drives brand visibility and market engagement strategies across the country. Overseeing national marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer, National & Head of Industry ensures the firm effectively communicates its value proposition to dynamic organizations. McNaughton directs industry-specific outreach programs, tailoring advisory solutions to meet the unique needs of diverse market sectors. By analyzing competitive positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer, National & Head of Industry refines the firm's public image and strengthens client acquisition channels. Fraser McNaughton coordinates with service line leaders to align marketing efforts with business development goals. Through the execution of targeted communication strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer, National & Head of Industry expands the firm's influence and reinforces its reputation as a leading business adviser. McNaughton manages brand consistency, ensuring all market interactions reflect the core mission of the organization.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Grant Thornton Australia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Grant Thornton Australia?
    Grant Thornton Australia is led by Said Jahani (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Michelle Watson (Chief Financial Officer) and John Askham (Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory).
    Who is part of Grant Thornton Australia’s executive team?
    The executive team of Grant Thornton Australia includes leaders such as Said Jahani (Chief Executive Officer), Michelle Watson (Chief Financial Officer), John Askham (Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Grant Thornton Australia have?
    Grant Thornton Australia has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Grant Thornton Australia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Grant Thornton Australia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Partner - Chief Financial Officer Advisory, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, National & Head of Industry.