Global Growth, Integration and AI: Lessons from Grant Thornton’s CEO

Growth often looks impressive from the outside. New markets, new capabilities and new headlines. But as organizations scale, leaders quickly discover that growth is the visible part. Integration is the real work.In this episode of The CFO Show, Melissa Howatson sits down with Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, to discuss one of the most significant transformations in the firm’s 100-year history. As Grant Thornton evolves from a traditional partnership model into a unified multinational platform bringing together nearly 20 firms and 25,000 professionals, Jim shares lessons on governance, leadership, culture and long-term value creation.Together, they explore:Why true transformation requires more than incremental changeHow governance structures can accelerate or hinder growthThe difference between acquisition and integration, and why integration creates valueHow leaders can balance global consistency with local autonomyWhy transparency and communication matter during periods of changeHow AI and technology investments support quality, scalability and client outcomesLeadership lessons from transforming a 100-year-old organizationWhether leading a major acquisition, scaling internationally or modernizing a legacy business, this conversation offers practical insights for CFOs and enterprise leaders navigating transformation at scale.