Grant Thornton appoints Rick Surett as CFO, succeeding longtime leader Muhammad Bhayat

Grant Thornton, one of America’s largest brands of professionals providing end-to-end audit, assurance, tax and advisory services, has named Rick Surett as its new chief financial officer (CFO). He will succeed Muhammad Bhayat, who is retiring after more than 20 years at Grant Thornton.

Surett officially steps into the CFO role on June 2. He is an accomplished financial executive with nearly 30 years of experience across private equity backed companies, public markets and complex capital structures.

“Rick brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will help us continue driving value for our clients and our people — especially now, as we expand our multinational platform from America across Europe and into the Middle East,” said Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton. “At the same time, Muhammad’s tenure at Grant Thornton has been a foundational part of this firm and he has made an immeasurable impact on our people and our business.”

Before joining Grant Thornton, Surett served as CFO of Transportation Equipment Network, the largest full-service trailer leasing company in North America, where he significantly improved operational efficiency and scalability. He also held a series of leadership roles at Ports America, including CFO, and previously served as director of corporate development at Avaya.

Surett expressed enthusiasm about stepping into the role and continuing to build on the firm’s legacy of innovation and growth.

“Joining Grant Thornton as CFO will mean partnering with our exceptional teams across the organization to strengthen our financial strategy and support the firm’s continued momentum,” said Surett. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Surett earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, and an MBA in finance from the State University of New York at Albany.

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton delivers professional services in the US through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In January 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. In April 2025, Grant Thornton UAE also joined the multinational platform. With $2.7 billion in revenues and almost 60 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland, the UAE and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of almost 13,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

“Grant Thornton” refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.

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