Ron Messenger

Executive summary

Ron Messenger is the CEO of Grant Thornton LLP, overseeing the growth and operations of Grant Thornton’s audit and assurance offerings, as well as its continued focus on audit quality. He is also a member of the Executive Committee at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. Previously, he was the chair of Grant Thornton LLP’s Partnership Board. Prior to that, Ron served as the Mid-Atlantic Audit practice leader and as the Carolinas local professional practice director, overseeing quality and technical accounting issues in the market. He also led the firm’s Carolinas Construction, Real Estate, Hospitality and Restaurants (CRHR) team.

As an Audit & Assurance partner, Ron’s more than 20 years of experience includes providing accounting, auditing and consulting services to clients in a variety of industries, with a special focus on real estate and financial services, as well as manufacturing and distribution.

Ron has extensive experience with initial public offerings, private placements and public companies. He also has significant experience with first-time audits, including transitions from other auditors and new entities.

In addition to audits, Ron’s engagements have included SAS 50 reports on the application of accounting principles, internal control implementation engagements, new accounting pronouncement implementations, transaction due diligence, restatements and contract document reviews. He has also assisted clients with accounting for variable interest entities and complex consolidations.

Professional qualifications and memberships

Ron is licensed to practice as a CPA in North Carolina. He is a member of the AICPA, the NCACPA, the Urban Land Institute, and NAREIT. Ron serves on the boards of directors of Autism Speaks of Greater Charlotte and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte.

Education

• Ron holds a degree in accounting from The Ohio State University.