David McDonnell has joined international law firm Hill Dickinson as a non-executive director. David is the current High Sheriff of Merseyside and former chief executive officer of Grant Thornton International.
David, who trained as a chartered accountant, has spent virtually his entire career with Grant Thornton, both in the UK and with the wider, global organisation. In 1989 David was appointed as the national managing partner of the UK firm, a position he held for some 12 years. He was chairman of the supervisory board for the firm, divisional director for Europe, Middle East and Africa and chairman of the international board of Grant Thornton International. In 2001 he was appointed global chief executive officer, a position he held until the end of 2009.
Senior partner at Hill Dickinson, Tony Wilson says: “David brings a wealth of experience to Hill Dickinson. He will sit on the LLP Board in an advisory role, challenging and contributing to the firm’s strategy development. David will also assess management performance and risk factors for the firm from a totally independent position. David is a renowned personality in the North West and he will play a vital role in shaping Hill Dickinson’s future.”
David is heavily involved in both the community and business world in Merseyside. Serving on a number of company Boards, David has been involved in a wide range of activities, amongst most notable being his service as chairman of the Merseyside Society for Deaf People and subsequently chairman of National Museums Liverpool. He is also currently President of the Council of the University of Liverpool.
Some years ago, David was made an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moores University in recognition of his contribution to the life of the City of Liverpool. In 2005 he was awarded the CBE in recognition of his contribution to the cultural life of the country generally, and to Liverpool specifically.
