“Grant Thornton encompasses an entrepreneurial mindset that runs through everything we do. This mindset spans through various aspects of our organization, from exploring a new service area, rethinking how we work, to supporting our people to take the lead on fresh ideas. As a leadership team, we focus on staying ahead, setting the direction, and creating the space for innovation to happen,” Stavros Ioannou, CEO of Grant Thornton Cyprus tells Forbes.
In a sector that’s rapidly evolving, from regulatory shifts to talent expectations, what do you see as the most pressing challenges for a firm like Grant Thornton Cyprus? How are you adapting locally to stay competitive, while holding on to the collaborative and agile culture that defines you?
I think that one of the biggest challenges we face right now is balancing rapid change with the need for consistency and quality. Our sector is evolving quickly, driven by regulatory developments, digital transformation, and shifting client expectations. Clients no longer seek just technical accuracy, but proactive, forward-thinking advice tailored to their needs.
At the same time, attracting and retaining the right talent has become more competitive than ever. For us, it has been a priority to maintain an environment where people can grow, feel supported, and do meaningful work. I am confident that what sets us apart is our culture as it allows us to stay agile, even as we scale.
With over 76,000 people in more than 140 countries, how does Grant Thornton ensure that its global resources and expertise are effectively leveraged while still maintaining the personal, local touch that distinguishes the firm?
One of the things I really value about being part of the Grant Thornton network, is the access it gives us to people, ideas, and expertise from all over the world. But just as important, is how we use that scale without losing the personal, grounded way we work with our clients here in Cyprus.
It makes me very proud to say that our teams here are actively involved in projects beyond our borders, whether that means supporting clients in the region or contributing to global initiatives alongside colleagues from other member firms. At the same time, we often collaborate with international teams when local clients need something highly specific or specialised.
This kind of collaboration helps us stay sharp, expand our capabilities, and ultimately deliver better outcomes. Most importantly, we are intentional about keeping the client’s experience consistent: accessible, responsive, and personal.
A prime example of this in action is the recent investment from Grant Thornton UK. This new reality for our teams has taken everything I have just described a step further by opening up new ways of working together, not just sharing knowledge, but building something stronger while staying true to who we are and how we work here in Cyprus.
Grant Thornton prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit and high-performance culture. How do these values translate into innovation at the local level? Could you give examples of how they’re shaping the services you offer or the way you approach emerging client needs in Cyprus?
You are right, Grant Thornton encompasses an entrepreneurial mindset that runs through everything we do. This mindset spans through various aspects of our organization, whether that is exploring a new service area, rethinking how we work, or supporting our people to take the lead on fresh ideas.
We are constantly looking at how we can expand our services in ways that reflect what clients really need. A little over a year ago, we launched the AI & Data Lab, which has already helped clients better understand how to use emerging technologies in a practical, business-driven way.
More recently, we introduced our People, Relocation and Family Office Services. A brand new service line offering comprehensive, tailored services built around the belief that people are at the heart of every successful business. The team supports clients across areas like talent attraction, HR transformation, immigration compliance, and family office advisory.
These developments do not happen by chance. As a leadership team, we focus on staying ahead, setting the direction, and creating the space for innovation to happen.
Can you elaborate on how Grant Thornton’s consensus-driven culture contributes to the professional growth of its employees and enhances client relationships, especially in a rapidly changing global business environment?
I think one of the things that’s helped us grow as a firm is the way we involve people in decisions. We have always had a culture where everyone has a voice and that, makes a big difference. When people feel safe to speak up, ask questions, or offer a different view, they learn more and grow faster.
This kind of openness builds confidence. It helps people take ownership of their work and feel more connected to what the firm is trying to achieve.
This model is perfectly aligned with our CLEARR values: collaboration, leadership, excellence, agility, respect and responsibility.
Especially in a changing environment, it is important that our teams feel supported not just by their team leaders, but by the culture itself. That is something we are very intentional about maintaining, no matter how much we grow.
It has been nearly a year since the investment from the UK member firm came into effect, a milestone for Grant Thornton Cyprus. How have your teams been working together since then, and what are some of the ways this collaboration is shaping our growth and creating new opportunities moving forward?
Sometimes I still find it hard to believe that it has already been almost a year since the investment came into effect. Navigating “Day Two” of the investment has been incredibly rewarding, especially now, as I look back and see how this partnership has grown over the past nine months. There is a real sense of momentum.
Today, our collaboration is much more embedded in how we operate day to day. Our teams have been working more closely across service lines, sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and co-delivering projects. We have also seen more structured collaboration, with our people having access to new tools, methodologies, and ways of working that strengthen our capabilities and broaden our thinking.
This partnership has given us room to grow in many ways. We are standing firmly on our feet, we are growing, and we are looking forward to what comes ahead. It is an exciting time, and we are ready for the next chapter.
