Business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP has announced changes to its leadership team in Scotland, with Stuart Preston appointed new practice leader and three others promoted.

“Stuart is responsible for leading and growing Grant Thornton’s team of 222 people based across the firm’s Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh offices,” said Grant Thornton.

“As a partner and restructuring specialist, as well as the Scottish forensic practice lead, Stuart brings extensive experience to the role. Based in Edinburgh, he has spent 20 years advising clients, businesses and stakeholders.

“In his role as Practice Leader, Stuart is responsible for developing the teams across Scotland to ensure that they have the people, skills and talent required to support clients across all sectors and markets.

“Building on Grant Thornton’s inclusive and supportive culture will be central to this, as will coordinating the local partner team and growing the firm’s collaborative relationships with local business leaders.”

Alongside Preston’s appointment, Lynne Bicket has been promoted to audit partner.

“Lynne will work alongside her colleagues in Audit to lead the team and build the client portfolio,” said the firm.

“She will also lead the strategy and direction of the overseas delivery centre, as well as Grant Thornton’s International Entrepreneurial Services Audit team of 20.”

Grant Thornton said James Andersen has also been promoted to audit partner “where, alongside the rest of the leadership team, he’ll lead the firm’s Commercial Audit Practice in Scotland comprising of 70 people.”

In the firm’s restructuring team, Claire Martin has been promoted to Director.

“The team, led by Stuart Preston, incorporates Restructuring, Insolvency, Forensics and Debt Advisory services for corporates and their stakeholders,” said Grant Thornton.

“Claire’s focus will be on delivering the Restructuring offering to provide support for clients in developing and implementing practical, solution-focused strategies to ensure their long-term future.”

 Preston said: “A massive congratulations must go to Claire, James and Lynne for their well-deserved promotions, which are thanks to their hard work and dedication to the firm, our people and our clients.

“Their success demonstrates the value of investing in our people. It’s been a great start to a promising year for the Scotland Practice.

“The expert multidisciplinary teams in our Scotland offices are a testament to the supportive culture at Grant Thornton as well as the many energetic, creative and ambitious businesses across Scotland, who are always looking for new ways to grow, innovate and seek out the right advice.

“In my new role as Practice Leader, I’ll continue to drive the agenda of our Scotland practice forward, building on the progress made over the last few years.”

Grant Thornton’s UK member firm is part of its global network that employs 58,000 people in 135 countries.

The UK Grant Thornton member firm has over 200 partners and employs more than 5,500.