South African firm grows 18%, sets sights on 2030
SNG Grant Thornton's CEO, Agnes Dire, on how focus is shaping the firm's next chapter.
Agnes Dire has spent her whole career at Grant Thornton South Africa – from trainee to CEO. That gives her a close view of how the firm has grown into a stronger, more diversified organisation.
"This journey has given me a deep appreciation for what has been built, and an even greater sense of responsibility for what comes next," she says.
A year of strong growth
SNG Grant Thornton was among Grant Thornton's 25 fastest-growing firms. In 2025, the firm grew by just over 18%, with double-digit growth in both Assurance and Advisory.
Agnes says the growth came from combining a strong assurance foundation with expanding tax and advisory capabilities, close client relationships, and a stronger connection to the Grant Thornton network. The firm was also certified as a ‘Top Employer South Africa 2026’ — independent recognition of its people practices and culture.
"We are attracting ambitious clients, developing exceptional professionals, and creating greater opportunities through the Grant Thornton network," she says.
“For us, this reflects our ethos of growth that moves us all forward: growth that creates value for our clients, opens opportunities for our people and contributes to the communities we serve.”
Why focus comes next
For Agnes, the next phase is about choice, not expansion for its own sake.
Under Vision 2030, the firm is concentrating leadership attention and investment on the areas where it has the strongest right to win: priority clients, selected industries, high-growth services, regional expansion, digital capability and future-ready talent.
"Growth requires choice," she says. "Sustainable growth comes from focusing resources behind a clear set of priorities and executing them consistently."
The firm is also moving towards a more integrated model, bringing business lines, industry expertise and support functions together around client needs, making it easier to deliver connected solutions.
Collaboration across the network
The firm has begun winning cross-border assignments, particularly in Southern Africa, and continues to invest in the Africa desks. This work spans cybersecurity, digital forensics and complex advisory projects, combining local market insight with specialist expertise from across the Grant Thornton network.
Building capability
To support this growth, the firm has expanded capabilities in cyber security, sustainability, programme assurance, forensics, tax technology, business risk and digital transformation. It's also investing in technology, data and AI to strengthen decision-making and improve client outcomes.
Looking ahead, SNG Grant Thornton sees further opportunities in cyber security, sustainability, managed services and programme assurance, and across the public, development and international agency sectors.
What's next
Vision 2030 sets a clear destination: to be the most trusted, growth-focused and digitally enabled professional services firm.
SNG Grant Thornton is building leadership positions in financial services and higher education, and accelerating growth in energy and natural resources, and technology and telecommunications.
"We have strong foundations, exceptional people and the backing of a global network," Agnes says. "Our focus now is execution."
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