Paul Fontanot Leads Grant Thornton Forensic Consulting

Paul Fontanot has been appointed National Head of Forensic Consulting at Grant Thornton Australia, taking on responsibility for leading the firm's national forensic practice. The appointment marks a new phase in the growth of Grant Thornton's forensic consulting capabilities amid increasing commercial and regulatory complexity. Fontanot joined the firm as a Partner in October 2025, bringing extensive experience in forensic investigations, technology services, dispute advisory and risk management. In his new position, he will focus on expanding the practice, strengthening its capabilities and supporting clients through complex business and regulatory challenges. Before joining Grant Thornton, Fontanot spent more than seven years at Clayton Utz, where he served as Partner and National Practice Group Leader from February 2017 to June 2024. He established and led the law firm's integrated Forensic and Technology Services practice, bringing together specialists in eDiscovery, data analytics, forensic accounting, investigations and cyber services. Under his leadership, the team grew from a start-up into a national, multi-million-dollar practice serving major corporate, public sector and regulatory clients. His work included complex investigations involving fraud, cyber incidents, regulatory breaches, whistleblower complaints and corporate misconduct. Earlier, Fontanot spent nearly two decades with EY across South Africa, the United States and Australia. He began his career with the firm in Johannesburg in 1998 as an Audit Consultant before progressing through roles in Litigation Advisory Services, Forensic Accounting and Global Investigation and Dispute Services. He subsequently became a Partner in EY's Forensic Investigation and Dispute Services practice in Johannesburg in 2005. In 2008, he moved into the role of Oceania Managing Partner for Fraud Investigation and Dispute Services, leading professionals across Australia and New Zealand and overseeing the development and growth of the regional practice. From August 2014 to January 2017, he continued as a Partner at EY in Sydney, leading multi-jurisdictional investigations and anti-fraud programmes for major organisations. Fontanot's experience spans a broad range of industries, including government, financial services, energy and resources, healthcare, education, construction and technology. His work has involved advising boards, legal counsel and regulators, overseeing sensitive investigations, and developing multidisciplinary teams combining forensic, technology and analytical expertise. At Grant Thornton, he is expected to use this experience and his industry network to strengthen collaboration across the firm's Risk, Consulting, Tax, Cyber and Restructuring practices. In addition to his professional career, Fontanot served as Chairman of the Board at Abbotsleigh School from May 2017 to November 2023, having first joined its board as Honorary Treasurer in 2011. He is also a member of the Southern Crossings Corporate & Business Network, an organisation connecting South Africans with an interest in contributing to Australia's growth and success. His appointment brings extensive international forensic and technology leadership experience to Grant Thornton Australia as the firm continues to develop its national consulting capabilities.