GHJ leaders Anant Patel and David Sutton recognized for driving deals and reshaping the M&A landscape.
LOS ANGELES, CA – GHJ, a national advisory and accounting firm, announced that Partners Anant Patel and David Sutton were named 2025 Banking and Finance Visionaries by L.A. Times B2B Publishing. This annual recognition highlights professionals shaping Southern California’s finance sector through leadership, innovation and community impact.
“Anant and David represent the best of GHJ’s forward-thinking Advisory Practice,” said Tom Barry, GHJ’s Managing Partner. “Their achievements reflect our Firm’s commitment to helping clients navigate complex transactions and maximize value in today’s market.”
Anant, recognized every year since 2021, leads GHJ’s Advisory Practice and serves as Global Leader – Network Capabilities for HLB International. With more than 30 years of experience, he has advised on transactions ranging from $20 million to $1.2 billion. Under his leadership, GHJ’s Advisory Practice grew more than 300 percent and continues to serve privately held companies, private equity groups, venture capital firms and institutional investors.
“I am honored to be once again named a Banking and Finance Visionary,” Anant said. “This award reflects our team's collective strength and commitment to delivering impactful solutions that help clients succeed.”
David, honored for the third consecutive year, leads GHJ’s Transaction Advisory Services Practice. He advises clients on transactions up to $1 billion across multiple industries, mentors rising leaders and contributes thought leadership to publications including M&A Journal and L.A. Times B2B Publishing.
“Being recognized alongside respected leaders in our industry is truly an honor,” David said. “At GHJ, we remain focused on helping clients achieve successful outcomes while fostering a culture that supports professional development and personal growth.”
ANANT PATEL, CPA
Anant is a respected authority in transaction advisory and private equity services and has led numerous deals over his career. He heads GHJ’s Advisory Practice, recognised for its deep sector expertise. Anant is known for safeguarding value, uncovering risks and guiding clients through high-stakes transactions. His inclusion on this list highlights his influence in the financial services sector and his role in delivering successful deals for clients across the world.
"Anant has built one of the strongest reputations in the market when it comes to advisory services,” Tom explained. “He has led hundreds of deals and is known for helping clients protect value at every stage. What really sets him apart is how deeply clients trust him — they know he will find the risks others miss and help them navigate complex deals with confidence.”
DAVID SUTTON
David is a recognised leader in the M&A community, with over 20 years’ experience advising business owners, boards and private equity firms on complex transactions. He has led deals valued in the hundreds of millions across sectors including manufacturing, technology, consumer products and healthcare. Known for his strategic insight and steady leadership, David is a trusted advisor to companies navigating sales, acquisitions and other pivotal decisions. His selection as a Banking and Finance Visionary reflects his track record of driving successful outcomes and his lasting impact on the region’s dealmaking landscape.
"David is that rare mix of strategic thinker and steady hand,” Tom added. “He has advised on some of the largest and most complex deals in the business, often being the first call for business owners or boards weighing a sale or acquisition. His impact on the M&A space cannot be overstated — he has made a real difference for so many clients over the years."
The L.A. Times Banking and Finance Visionaries list honors professionals who demonstrate leadership, deliver measurable results and invest in their communities. Both Anant and David were featured in the March 2025 issue of L.A. Times Business Magazine.
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About GHJ
GHJ is a national advisory and accounting firm with a mission to help its clients and team members #BeMore by pursuing their passions, building thriving businesses and creating a better future. Headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in San Jose, Buffalo and Denver and over 250 professionals and 22 partners throughout the U.S., GHJ serves thousands of clients worldwide. The Firm meets clients where they are and specializes in a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, food and beverage and media and advertising companies and nonprofit organizations.
Ranked as a Top-100 Firm, 7th Fastest-Growing Firm, Top Regional Leader in the West and Best Firm to Work For by Accounting Today, GHJ is recognized for its innovative approach and dedication to client success. This is driven by the belief that its collective diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences are exactly what makes GHJ a place where employees can each #BeMore – together. Employees are invited to pursue their passions, deliver exceptional service and support the causes they care about. The Firm embraces hybrid work and prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Additionally, GHJ Foundation supports the community through financial contributions and volunteerism.
GHJ is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit). As a member of HLB International, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, GHJ provides clients with seamless access to expertise in over 150 countries to deliver solutions that meet both local and global needs.
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