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Simon Nicholas appointed Head of Practice of Isle of Man

Grant Thornton Announces Appointment of Simon Nicholas as Head of Practice of Isle of Man Office

Isle of Man, February 14, 2025 - Grant Thornton has announced the appointment of Simon Nicholas as an Audit and Advisory Partner, and Head of Practice of the Isle of Man office. With over 25 years’ experience working in London, Bermuda and the Isle of Man, Simon brings a wealth of expertise in advising governments and working with clients in the financial services, technology and gaming sectors.

Simon’s areas of focus include audit and assurance, M&A, valuation and economic assessments, due diligence, strategy design and implementation (including ESG) and regulatory advice and resolution. He studied Mathematical Statistics with Economics at the University of Exeter, UK, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Grant Thornton Isle of Man blends global expertise with local insight, delivering top-tier advisory, audit, and tax services. As part of a leading international network, the Isle of Man team plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and individuals with tailored solutions that drive success.

The Isle of Man is a key international financial centre and Simon will focus on leveraging the opportunities across the island to grow the Isle of Man practice. The firm is dedicated to expanding its Isle of Man team, while maintaining a personalised, client-focused approach to meet the needs of clients with the right network, skills and sector expertise. 

Simon’s appointment follows Grant Thornton’s recent transformational agreement to combine the advisory and tax arms of the Ireland and Isle of Man business with their counterparts in the US, creating a new multinational platform providing audit, advisory and tax services to a growing international client base. 

This agreement sees the creation of a new united transatlantic advisory and tax practice, combining local independence with a more seamless cross-border access to talented professionals and technology, as well as independent audit practices. It brings together 12,000 professionals across 50+ offices, while remaining part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, and providing access to over 150 markets worldwide.

This has undoubtedly strengthened the services levels available to Grant Thornton Isle of Man clients, combining world-class advisory, audit, and tax services with deep local expertise. Businesses will benefit from broader specialist capabilities and seamless cross-border knowledge, all while retaining the trusted, high-quality, and personalised service they value.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Tennant, Managing Partner, Grant Thornton, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Simon on board. His expertise in advising clients on the most complex of audit & advisory issues is recognised throughout the Isle of Man and further afield, and his appointment demonstrates the importance of the Isle of Man to our firm. By combining local excellence in Simon, with global capabilities and advanced technology, we're setting a new standard in cross-border professional services."

Speaking on his appointment, Simon Nicholas, Partner and Head of Practice in the Isle of Man, said:

“I’m excited by the opportunities this new role presents and the chance to contribute to the growth of our Isle of Man office. As an important global financial centre and a strategic priority for the firm, the Isle of Man offers immense potential for expansion and innovation. I’m eager to leverage my local expertise alongside our multinational platform to deliver world-class results for our clients.

“With a strong foundation and ambitious plans, we are poised for an exciting chapter - enhancing our services, strengthening client relationships, and making a meaningful impact on the island’s thriving business landscape.”

ENDS

Contact

  • Fiona MacCarthy – Head of Public Relations 
  • T: +353870000107 
  • E: Fiona.maccarthy@ie.gt.com 
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