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Professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Jon Grainger as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Jonathon will lead AAB’s technology, operations and integration teams, driving the next phase of operational excellence and enabling the firm to embed end‑to‑end automation capability throughout its business operations.
Jon joins AAB at a time of accelerated innovation across the professional services sector. As technology becomes increasingly central to operational effectiveness, it is now more common for Chief Operating Officers to emerge from technology and transformation backgrounds, reflecting the deepening link between digital capability and operational scale. Jon’s proven leadership in advanced automation and data‑driven transformation positions him strongly to support AAB’s next stage of growth.
An early adopter of advanced business automation, Jon brings extensive experience in professional services, delivering measurable efficiency gains across complex organisations. His leadership will strengthen AAB’s ability to enhance service delivery through intelligent automation while ensuring ethical and regulatory guardrails remain firmly embedded. Central to his approach is a commitment to keeping AAB’s people at the heart of every process, empowering teams with technology rather than replacing the human expertise that defines the firm’s service.
Jon’s appointment also comes as professional services firms navigate increasing industry‑wide challenges, including heightened cybersecurity risk, rapidly evolving regulatory expectations, and the need for responsible, well‑governed deployment of AI and automation technologies. His experience in shaping resilient, secure, and compliant operational models will help ensure AAB continues to meet these expectations while driving innovation.
This appointment follows AAB’s 2025 investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which has accelerated the group’s growth, expanded capacity, and strengthened its commitment to technology‑led operational transformation.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, welcomed the appointment:
“As our business continues to grow, strengthening our operational capability is essential to delivering the highest levels of service for our clients. Jon’s leadership supports our Strategy to 2030, particularly our ambition to unlock operational efficiencies that free up more time for our teams to focus on deepening relationships with clients. His approach to responsible automation aligns perfectly with the AAB culture – technology should support our people.”
As part of this transition, Derek Mitchell, who has served as Chief Operating Officer, will move into a newly created strategic role where he will lead key integration initiatives and critical projects across the group. Derek’s deep knowledge of AAB and his operational experience will be instrumental in delivering the firm’s long-term integration roadmap and ensuring the success of major programmes planned for the coming years.
Speaking about his appointment, Jon Grainger added:
“I’m delighted to be joining AAB at such an exciting stage in its growth. There is enormous potential in harnessing automation to create smarter, more agile operations – provided we do so responsibly and with people firmly at the centre. I look forward to working with our teams to build scalable, secure and efficient processes that enhance both our client service and the working experience of our colleagues.”
Jon’s appointment underscores AAB’s continued investment in technology, integration and future‑focused operational capability as the business delivers on its ambitious long-term strategy.
AAB’s rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland is set to continue with backing from Goldman Sachs Alternatives
In response to the increasingly complex trading environment for businesses, professional services firm, AAB, has launched a new ‘Office of the CFO’ service designed to give organisations the ability to strengthen their finance leadership and gain clarity in their numbers without the difficulties of recruitment of finance professionals at all levels.
Businesses across the UK are facing more challenges than ever before – from inflationary pressures and rising costs to increasingly complex reporting requirements. For many organisations, these pressures are stretching finance teams and make reliable financial insight more critical than ever.
The new offering provides flexible finance leadership and specialist accounting expertise to businesses experiencing growth, navigating complex group or funding reporting requirements or preparing for major transactions. The AAB Office of the CFO team includes senior expertise in operational finance, forecasting, technical accounting, statutory reporting, finance transformation, cash flow modelling and transaction accounting.
The service combines operational finance support, technical accounting expertise and strategic CFO-level leadership, allowing organisations to strengthen their finance functions and gain clearer financial insight at critical stages of their development.
Lauren McCluskey, Head of Office of the CFO and Partner at AAB, commented: “Businesses are operating in an environment where they are expected to be able to adapt and change at pace. Cost control remains a priority with CFOs expected to make decisions quickly and decisively whilst navigating the technology changes alongside the day to day operations.
Many finance teams are resource constrained with CFOs and CEOs personally sponsoring both technology and transformation projects. The Office of the CFO is able to support the day to day operations and senior team freeing up valuable time.”
The Office of the CFO service is designed to support organisations at every stage of growth, including entrepreneurs, SMEs, AIM-listed companies, multinational groups and public sector organisations.
By integrating with existing finance teams or providing additional capability where needed, the service enables organisations to strengthen reporting, improve financial visibility and respond more effectively to growth or change.
The service is particularly valuable for organisations facing increased regulatory scrutiny, complex accounting requirements, or major transactions such as acquisitions, fundraising or market listings.
AAB’s rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland is set to continue with backing from Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
AAB is thrilled to announce the appointment of two longstanding team members, Brian Dunne and Ruairí Power, to the firm. Both Brian and Ruairí have extensive expertise in Audit and client management, and together with their fellow partners, will share responsibility for leading the Audit Department.
Brian and Ruairí joined Ormsby & Rhodes – acquired by AAB in January 2025 – as graduates, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent through mentorship, training, and development. Brian Dunne, with a wealth of experience in Audit and Corporate Restructuring, developed through exceptionally managing client relationships across various sectors, assumes his role with a focus on delivering outstanding customer service and overseeing a diverse client portfolio. Ruairí Power, specialising in Audit and Corporate Advisory, has demonstrated outstanding expertise throughout his time at AAB, supporting group structures and businesses of various sizes. Ruairí embraces this new role with a commitment to client growth and continued talent development within the team, through sharing technical and regulatory knowledge, a passion they both embrace.
David Marsh, Managing Partner at AAB, celebrated by saying:
“We are delighted to welcome Brian and Ruairí as Partners, marking a pivotal moment in their professional careers. Their journey from the graduate programme to undertaking shared leadership of the audit department is a testament to their commitment to AAB and our clients. It also demonstrates our investment in fostering talent, something I feel hugely passionate about. The firm continues to thrive, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team and the trust our clients place in us. Congratulations to Ruairi and Brian on this fantastic achievement!”
AAB anticipates that these appointments will further strengthen its position in the industry, enabling the firm to provide continued standards of excellence and sustained value to clients as they navigate the evolving business landscape. Our established partnership with BKR International continues to add value to our clients as they expand internationally.
Reach out to Brian Dunne and Ruairí Power – or your usual AAB contact – to find out more about the audit support we provide.
AAB has further expanded its Irish footprint with strategic investments in FM Accountants and LSMQ, two established and fast-growing accountancy firms based in Dublin and in Carlow respectively.
The transactions form part of AAB’s continued build-out of its professional-services platform in Ireland following its investment in Ormsby & Rhodes and Ryan & Crowley in 2025. Both Ormsby & Rhodes and Ryan & Crowley rebrand as AAB on Monday 2nd March. More recently, AAB invested in the Cork-based firm O’Connor Pyne.
The latest deals bring AAB’s annual revenue in Ireland to more than €25m and its headcount to over 250. AAB, which is backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, employs more than 1,800 people worldwide across 23 locations.
Colm Duggan, formerly a partner in Ormsby & Rhodes and now Head of Professional Services at AAB in Ireland, said:
“These investments reflect our ambition to build a genuinely partner-led, full-service professional advisory firm in Ireland. FM Accountants and LSMQ are high-quality practices with strong leadership teams and complementary expertise. Our focus is on supporting ambitious firms to scale, broaden their service offering and create long-term value for their clients and their people.
“There is significant opportunity in the Irish market for firms that want to retain their identity and leadership while benefiting from shared infrastructure, investment and international reach. Our approach is collaborative and long-term, and we are continuing to engage with like-minded practices across the country.”
Founded by Padraic Lalor and John O’Shea in 2003 LSMQ was the first Irish accountancy firm in Ireland to offer online accounting to its clients and has built a strong reputation in audit, tax and technology-enabled advisory services. The firm has 35 employees, including four partners: John O’Shea, Padraic Lalor, Nuala Kenny and Gareth Keogh.
FM Accountants, founded over 20 years ago by Cormac Mohan, a former senior executive with Microsoft and Coca-Cola and a past President of CPA Ireland, employs 16 people. The firm has particular strength in inward investment, business advisory and corporate restructuring through Fitzwilliam Corporate Services.
Separately, Garrett McCarthy and his team at Hugh McCarthy & Associates in Dublin are also joining AAB. Garrett McCarthy, as well as the partners in LSMQ and FM Accountants, will each become partners in AAB.
Cormac Mohan of FM Accountants said:
“We were clear that any next step for our firm had to protect our culture and our client relationships while giving us greater scale and depth. AAB offers exactly that combination, local leadership, broader capability and the backing to invest for growth.”
John O’Shea of LSMQ said:
“Our priority has always been to deliver high-quality, forward-thinking services to our clients. Joining AAB allows us to maintain that focus while gaining the benefits of shared knowledge, specialisms and experiences.”
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has today announced the acquisition of RORA, a specialist finance support business focused on start-ups and scale-ups.
London-based RORA provides fractional finance leadership to early-stage and high-growth businesses, operating as their dedicated finance team or as specialist support to existing in-house finance functions. The acquisition further strengthens AAB’s capability to support ambitious businesses in the critical early stages of their growth journey.
The move reflects AAB’s continued investment in high-growth, high-impact service lines that align with the evolving needs of entrepreneurial and scaling businesses across the UK.
Lauren McCluskey, Head of Virtual Finance Function at AAB, said: “This is an exciting acquisition for AAB and one that reflects where we see strong, long-term demand. Supporting businesses at the start-up and scale-up stage is about providing the right financial insight, structure and leadership at a point where it can genuinely accelerate growth.
RORA operates in a space that is vital to the success of fast-growing businesses, and it mirrors AAB’s own journey as a business that continues to scale at pace. By bringing this specialist capability into AAB, we can offer even more hands-on, commercially focused support to businesses at this crucial stage in their development.”
Dan Hully and Sam Wilkinson, Co-founders at RORA added: “Joining AAB is a natural next step for RORA. We’ve built our business around supporting founders and leadership teams at moments of rapid change and opportunity, and AAB shares that same growth mindset.
Becoming part of a larger firm gives our clients access to broader expertise while allowing us to continue delivering the hands-on, flexible finance support that start-ups and scale-ups need to move quickly and confidently. We’re excited about what this means for our team and for the businesses we support.”
The RORA team will join AAB with immediate effect and clients will benefit from enhanced access to AAB’s wider expertise while retaining the specialist, flexible finance support that RORA is known for.
The acquisition is part of AAB’s strategic expansion plan, with further acquisitions already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint. AAB now employs over 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland.
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Lorraine Quinn as Head of Audit for its Glasgow office.
Lorraine joins AAB from PwC. During her tenure, she led complex audit engagements for a diverse portfolio of clients, supporting businesses across a range of sectors with high-quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and strategic insight.
In her new role at AAB, Lorraine will strengthen AAB’s audit team in Scotland, working closely with clients to deliver robust, risk-focused audits and actionable commercial advice. Her appointment further enhances AAB’s senior leadership team in Glasgow and underlines the firm’s continued investment in experienced talent to support its growth ambitions.
Lorraine Quinn, Head of Glasgow Audit at AAB, said: “I’m delighted to be joining AAB at such an exciting stage in its growth journey. The firm has built a strong reputation for combining technical excellence with a genuinely collaborative and client-focused approach. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the business to help clients navigate an evolving regulatory landscape while supporting their wider strategic objectives.”
Gary Harding, Head of Audit at AAB, added: “Lorraine brings exceptional audit expertise and leadership experience to our Glasgow team. Her track record at PwC, combined with her deep understanding of the Scottish market, makes her a fantastic addition to the firm. We are committed to investing in top-tier talent to ensure we continue delivering outstanding service and insight to our clients.”
Lorraine’s appointment reflects AAB’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its audit and assurance capabilities across the UK, as the firm continues to expand its footprint and service offering.
Now employing over 1,800 people across 23 locations, AAB’s scale, ambition and momentum reflect a business that is strongly positioned for its next chapter of expansion with the backing of Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
Leading professional services firms, AAB and Kreston Reeves, have today announced a landmark deal that will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue, marking a significant step in both firms’ long-term growth strategy. The combined business will employ more than 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland.
AAB has invested in Kreston Reeves, supported by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, significantly enhancing AAB’s scale, geographic reach and service capability, strengthening its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing mid-market advisory firms. This transformational deal is the largest AAB have completed to date and marks the 18th since AAB initially secured private equity investment in 2021.
Kreston Reeves, a leading accountancy and business advisory firm in the South East of England with over £50m revenue, and more than 550 people across 7 offices in London, Kent and Sussex. The firm has a 200+ year heritage and an experienced team of people delivering a high-touch, personalised client service and strong supportive culture. Kreston Reeves brings complementary expertise across audit, accounting, tax and advisory services along with a diversified portfolio of SME and mid-market clients that is very well aligned with the existing AAB client base. The joining of forces with Kreston Reeves underlines AAB’s strategy of identifying high-quality professional service firms that align with its culture, values and commitment to sustainable growth.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, commented:
“This is a major milestone for AAB and a clear demonstration of our ambition to become the leading professional services firm serving the mid-market. Growing the group beyond £200 million revenue is not about growth for growth’s sake – it’s about building a resilient, sustainable business that delivers long-term value for our clients, our people and our communities.
This is our third deal since our investment deal with Goldman Sachs Alternatives was completed two months ago, and we are hugely excited about the future opportunities ahead as we continue to scale by combining businesses who share our dedication to putting clients at the heart of everything we do.”
Richard Spofforth, Managing Partner at Kreston Reeves, added:
“This is a significant milestone for our business, people and clients. Building on the strengths we have at Kreston Reeves, it will create new opportunities for our talented colleagues. For our clients, it will provide them with access to broader specialist expertise together with greater geographic reach.
“Most importantly, AAB shares the same values as Kreston Reeves, giving us a combined platform for sustainable long-term growth.”
Jose Barreto, Partner, and Mihir Lal, Managing Director, Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, commented:
“We are very excited about the strategic combination of AAB and Kreston Reeves. This partnership accelerates our vision for a national presence across the UK and Ireland, delivering essential scale in the South-East of England. The deep cultural alignment between AAB and Kreston Reeves will strengthen the collective offering for both customers and employees.”
AAB’s strategic expansion plan is set to continue with further investment opportunities already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint.
The partnership is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Spring 2026.
AAB was advised by Goldman Sachs International (financial adviser), Addleshaw Goddard, and Linklaters (legal advisers).
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has invested in O’Connor Pyne & Co, a Munster-based firm of chartered accountants employing 65 people. The firm is led by three senior partners: Conor Pyne, Tomas O’Connor and Oriel Lawton.
Through a deal with Ormsby & Rhodes, one of Ireland’s longest-established accountancy firms in January 2025, AAB achieved €120m annual revenue. The O’Connor Pyne deal boosts AAB’s business in Ireland to €20m, employing more than 200 people.
As part of its expansion in the Munster region, it is intended that AAB’s office will be a flagship building located in the Ballincollig area. The move will reflect the firm’s long-term commitment to investing in regional capability, talent and client service.
Founded more than 20 years ago, O’Connor Pyne & Co has built a strong reputation for delivering a broad range of professional services to clients across Ireland. O’Connor Pyne & Co also has long–standing links with Munster Technological University, with graduates forming a core part of its well–established graduate programme. AAB plans to scale its Munster operations significantly over the coming two years through a combination of organic growth and selective acquisitions.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive of AAB, said:“Bringing O’Connor Pyne into AAB is an important milestone in the continued development of our business in Ireland. O’Connor Pyne is a highly respected firm with a strong client focus and a culture that closely aligns with our own. This investment allows us to build scale in Munster while broadening the services and specialist expertise available to clients in the region.”
Tomás O’Connor , Founding Partner of O’Connor Pyne & Co, said:“This is a very positive step for our clients and our people. Joining AAB gives us access to a broader range of expertise, technology and investment while allowing us to continue delivering the close, partner-led service that has defined O’Connor Pyne for more than two decades. We see this as a platform for long-term growth in Munster and beyond.”
AAB now employs over 1,200 people across 18 locations. AAB’s scale, ambition and momentum reflect a business that is strongly positioned for its next chapter of expansion with the backing of Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
Leading professional services firm AAB has acquired GS Verde Group, marking its expansion into Wales and the South West, while establishing a platform to build a key regional hub.
The GS Verde Group operates as a multi-discipline advisory firm, specialising in guiding businesses through a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions, management buyouts, investments, and employee ownership transitions. The firm employs over 50 people and supports clients from offices in Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham and Dublin.
The deal takes AAB’s turnover to £135 million, and the acquisition of GS Verde is the first deal following the recent investment by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which aims to accelerate growth across the UK and Ireland.
The combination of the businesses also propels AAB into the top 5 dealmakers across the UK based on the latest available data from Experian for the first half of 2025. GS Verde will continue to operate under its existing brand before transitioning to AAB in due course. The regional management team will remain in place to drive the next phase of expansion.
GS Verde has earned recognition as an award-winning business, known for its disruptive approach, strong M&A rankings, and its ability to complete several strategic acquisitions in recent years. Its multi-service structure and entrepreneurial culture make it a natural fit with AAB’s vision to deliver integrated, expert-led services to clients across all sectors.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive of AAB said: “GS Verde’s entrepreneurial DNA and multi-discipline offering mirror our own approach and make this an incredibly strong growth opportunity for both teams. Together, we achieve top 5 deal making status while creating a key regional hub that creates our presence in Wales and the South West supporting clients with even greater depth and expertise.”
Nigel Greenaway, CEO of GS Verde, added: “Joining AAB marks the next exciting step in our journey. We’ve built a business that challenges the traditional professional services model, and partnering with AAB allows us to accelerate that ambition. Our clients and our people will continue as before – but with the backing of a Group that shares our vision for innovation, growth, and exceptional client service.”
The acquisition is part of AAB’s strategic expansion plan, with further acquisitions already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint. AAB now employs over 1,100 people across 17 locations in the UK and Ireland.
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director alongside the closure of the deal agreed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives to acquire the firm from August Equity.
The transition marks a significant milestone for AAB, positioning the company to maintain its trajectory of sustained growth, while ensuring continuity for clients and further strengthening its reputation in the professional services market. AAB has tripled in size in three years with annual revenue now exceeding £125 million.
Elona Mortimer-Zhika is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in driving growth, transformation and operational excellence within technology and service-based industries. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of IRIS Software Group, a global SaaS software business, where she led the company through a period of substantial expansion. Under her leadership, IRIS tripled in size, transitioned to a cloud-first platform model, expanded internationally, and completed multiple strategic acquisitions.
Prior to becoming CEO, Elona held senior roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at IRIS, following a successful career in finance and management within leading professional services and private equity-backed companies. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting and Economics.
Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB commented: “We are delighted to welcome Elona to our Board. Her proven leadership, deep understanding of scaling high-growth businesses in our industry, and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our strategic ambitions.”
Elona Mortimer-Zhika added: “I am excited to join AAB at such a pivotal time in its journey. The company’s vision and focus on delivering exceptional client service strongly align with my own passion for building resilient, high-performing organisations.”
As a Non-Executive Director, Elona will contribute to AAB’s strategic direction, governance and oversight, bringing her extensive experience in financial management and digital transformation to the AAB Board of Directors.
Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, who are supporting AAB’s continued development, added:
“As a Top 25 Accounting firm in the UK, we see AAB going from strength to strength and fast becoming a leading provider of professional services to the UK and Irish mid-market. We’re delighted that the deal has now concluded and look forward to leveraging our experience to support AAB through this hugely exciting stage in its evolution.”
“We are very pleased to see Elona join the AAB Board. Her proven ability to lead and scale complex, high-growth organisations will provide valuable strategic insight as AAB continues its impressive expansion.”
As a result of the deal, AAB will further accelerate its growth journey delivering the high-quality service and specialist expertise that clients have come to rely on with the added benefit of increased investment in technology, AI and automation.
AAB and August Equity were advised by William Blair and Alantra (Corporate Finance), OC&C (Commercial), PwC (Financial and Tax) and Addleshaw Goddard (Legal). Goldman Sachs was advised on the transaction by Houlihan Lokey and Rothschild (M&A), Linklaters (Legal), EY Parthenon (Commercial), and EY (Financial & Tax).