Parkin joins the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services as an automotive sector specialist and will work alongside Tarun Mistry, Neil Barrell, Paul Burrows and Christian Roelofs to deliver focused advisory services across the industry.

Parkin was previously head of valuations at Glass's Information Services, a position he held from October 2012. Prior to this, he spent over 10 years as a strategy consultant, principally working with automotive and related segment clients, where he had built a wealth of experience in providing commercial diligence advice. 

Commenting on the reasons for the move, Parkin said: ‘It was a great fit: Grant Thornton was able to provide me with the opportunity to focus on consulting work and, with their existing expertise, allow me to serve clients in a wider capacity.’

Tarun Mistry, partner, Automotive Advisory, added: ‘I'm delighted that he has joined our team. Richard brings specific expertise of the UK automotive market which perfectly complements our Automotive Advisory team and our well established asset and motor finance team.  His specific expertise in vehicle residual values will be very relevant with regards to the various transactional advisory work we deliver. He also brings consulting skills to further strengthen our offering and this is aligned to where we are seeing growing market demands. 

‘A strengthened team composed of a core group of individuals with real sector knowledge is in line with our strategy and reflects the continued focus of Grant Thornton in this sector.  The expansion of the team further establishes us as the go to advisory firm in this market.’