Grant Thornton has named J. Michael McGuire as national managing partner of operations for the firm, effective Aug. 1. McGuire will succeed Lou Grabowsky who becomes a senior advisor as he transitions to retirement from the firm.

In his new role, McGuire will chair the firm's operating committee and will continue to oversee the firm's human resources and marketing and sales teams. In addition, the regional managing partners and the Global Public Sector managing partner will report to him.

Currently, McGuire serves on the senior leadership team and is the firm's national managing partner of Markets, Industry, People & Culture. He also chairs the Grant Thornton Foundation, a role which he will continue.

Previously, McGuire served as the managing partner of the firm's Carolinas practice, which includes offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., and Columbia, S.C., and has served on the firm's Partnership Board. Prior to joining the firm, he spent 20 years with Arthur Andersen in numerous roles of increasing responsibility, including as audit practice leader for the Carolinas.