Mr Preston is responsible for leading and growing Grant Thornton’s team of 222 people based across the firm’s Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh offices. As a partner and restructuring specialist, as well as the Scottish forensic practice lead, he 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, Mr Preston 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 Mr Preston’s appointment, Lynne Bicket has been promoted to audit partner. She will work alongside her colleagues in audit to lead the team and build the client portfolio. 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.

Joining Ms Bicket, James Andersen was also 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. His key responsibilities will be to develop and bring through the best of the firm’s talent and grow its presence, while providing a high-quality service to clients.

In the Restructuring team, Claire Martin has been promoted to director. The team, led by Mr Preston, incorporates restructuring, insolvency, forensics and debt advisory services for corporates and their stakeholders. Ms Martin’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.

Mr 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.”