Martin Shanahan to lead Grant Thornton’s Industry practice

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grant Thornton, one of America and Ireland’s largest brands of professionals providing end-to-end audit, assurance, tax and advisory services, today announced that Martin Shanahan will serve as the head of Industry. In this role, he will oversee all operations, strategy and growth initiatives for Grant Thornton Advisor LLC’s multinational industry practice.

Shanahan served as a partner and head of Industry for Grant Thornton in Ireland since 2023. With more than 25 years of international experience in both the public and private sectors, he is a skilled leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, policy development, marketing and investment decision-making.

“Today’s business climate is impacting all industries in a way that requires leaders to be forward-thinking and agile,” said Alasdair Trotter, chief revenue officer of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. “Martin’s years of industry know-how and global perspective make him uniquely suited to help our Industry practice deliver high-quality solutions to our clients, while navigating the shifting landscape and historic new challenges that lie ahead.”

“Businesses across industries are faced with many unique challenges and exciting opportunities,” said Shanahan. “Grant Thornton’s unmatched talent and comprehensive, high-quality solutions will help meet our multinational clients’ unique and changing needs — and I look forward to working closely with our cross-market teams to continue growing our Industry practice.”

Based in San Francisco and Dublin, Ireland, Shanahan has worked with international companies in multiple industries, advising them on their global location investment decisions. He has also been at the forefront of the development of enterprise, innovation and labor market policy in Ireland.

Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Shanahan served as the CEO of industrial development agency IDA Ireland for over eight years. In this role, he led a considerable expansion in investments, employment and economic impact in the Foreign Direct Investment sector. He was previously the CEO of Forfás, the Irish Government’s policy advisory board for enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation.

Shanahan is an adjunct professor at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business in Dublin. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Dublin, and a higher diploma and master’s degree from the Technological University of Dublin. He also holds a master’s degree from Lancaster University in the UK.

In 2023, Shanahan received the Irish Academy of Management T.K. Whitaker Award for lifetime contribution to the Irish economy and society.

Grant Thornton’s multinational Industry practice provides high-quality solutions to the following industries: technology, life sciences, energy, asset management, banking, insurance, healthcare, hospitality, construction and real estate, manufacturing, transportation and distribution, not-for-profit and higher education, private equity, retail and consumer brands, services, and media and entertainment. To learn more about Grant Thornton’s industry offerings, visit: www.grantthornton.com.

About Grant Thornton
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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