Grant Thornton appoints Sameer Abdi, former Big Four leader, as Head of Advisory in the UAE.

Grant Thornton has recently welcomed Sameer Abdi to its team as the new Head of Advisory for the UAE business. With a wealth of experience from international Big Four firms, Abdi brings over 25 years of expertise in M&A, financial services, technology, and real estate to his new role.

Abdi’s career trajectory has been impressive, having held leadership positions at PwC and EY in the past. During his time at PwC, he led the Deals practice in the Middle East, overseeing significant M&A transactions in the region. Prior to that, he spent 22 years at EY, where he rose to the rank of senior partner and played a pivotal role in growing the Transaction Advisory practice in the Gulf.

Apart from his consulting background, Abdi has also delved into entrepreneurship, co-founding ventures in the fintech and realtech sectors. His experience as a venture capitalist and investor has equipped him with a unique perspective on the financial industry. Additionally, he co-established Aion, a digital platform catering to banks, further diversifying his expertise.

In his new role at Grant Thornton, Abdi aims to leverage his extensive track record to bolster the firm’s Advisory business in the UAE. Following the firm’s recent expansion plans under the New Mountain Capital-backed platform, Abdi’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Grant Thornton pursues ambitious growth targets. With a focus on combining local insights with a global outlook, Abdi intends to work closely with boards, executives, and investors to address the challenges of market transformation, regulatory changes, growth strategies, and operational improvements.

Moreover, Abdi is committed to nurturing the next generation of advisors within the firm, promoting a client-centric and collaborative culture. His dedication to developing talent and empowering individuals aligns with Grant Thornton’s goal of building a strong team to navigate the complexities of the business landscape effectively.

UAE Chief Executive Hisham Farouk expressed his excitement about Abdi joining the leadership team, emphasizing the value of Abdi’s expertise and leadership qualities in supporting clients through intricate opportunities and challenges.

In conclusion, Sameer Abdi’s appointment at Grant Thornton signifies a significant development for the firm’s Advisory practice in the UAE. With his vast experience, strategic vision, and commitment to fostering talent, Abdi is poised to drive growth and success for Grant Thornton in the region.