Anant Patel and David Sutton were honored by the Los Angeles Business Journal for their leadership in private equity services and strategic advisement of business leaders in the industry.
LOS ANGELES, CA – GHJ, a national advisory, tax and accounting firm, is proud to announce that Anant Patel and David Sutton, two of its senior leaders, have been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2025 Leaders of Influence: Private Equity, Investors & Advisors list. This annual list honors the most impactful private equity professionals and advisors shaping investment strategies, leading transactions and driving economic growth across the region and beyond.
Anant and David were recognized for their ability to guide complex transactions with precision, insight and integrity, which reflects the Firm’s broader mission to offer personalized, high-touch advisory services in an increasingly consolidated industry. As GHJ continues to grow with purpose, this distinction demonstrates GHJ’s national reputation for delivering strategic transaction advisory and consulting services in a competitive deal environment.
“We are incredibly proud to have Anant and David recognized for the insight, trusted leadership and technical excellence they bring to clients,” said Tom Barry, GHJ’s managing partner. “They both represent the kind of forward-thinking leadership that defines GHJ’s approach to solving multifaceted challenges and supporting our clients’ most important decisions.”
Anant Patel
Anant is GHJ’s Advisory Services Practice Leader and a key member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. With over 30 years of experience, he advises private equity firms, venture capital groups and institutional investors on their deal activity. He brings deep expertise in Quality of Earnings, deal structuring, working capital and cross-border transactions.
Anant also serves as Global Leader – Network Capabilities for HLB International, one of the world’s largest advisory and accounting networks, where he advances collaboration across 150+ countries. At GHJ, he is known for leading with integrity, mentoring emerging professionals and helping clients maximize value through each stage of the deal lifecycle.
“It is an honor to be named among such respected professionals in the private equity space,” Anant said. “I am fortunate to be part of a Firm that deeply values delivering best-in-class services, building trust and helping clients achieve long-term success. This award showcases GHJ’s commitment to these principles.”
David Sutton
David is GHJ’s Transaction Advisory Services and Private Equity Practice Leader. He advises clients on deals ranging from $10 million to $3 billion by delivering buy- and sell-side due diligence, financial modeling and deal execution support. His clients range from private business owners to family offices and large institutional funds operating in a wide range of sectors, including consumer products, food and beverage, media and advertising, entertainment, manufacturing and technology.
With a background in engineering and a focus on rigorous analysis, David blends operational insights with practical deal execution. He is widely respected for his clear communication, thoughtful leadership and commitment to mentorship, both within GHJ and across the private equity community.
“I owe this recognition to my team and our clients,” David said. “Our clients place a great deal of trust in the Firm, and the GHJ team delivers on this every day, showing up with fortitude and passion. It is a privilege to be recognized on this highly regarded list on behalf of the Firm.”
Anant and David lead cross-functional teams that continue to grow GHJ’s national private equity services presence while maintaining the Firm’s reputation for client-first service and strategic independence. Their leadership ensures that GHJ clients receive tailored solutions, deep expertise and lasting value at every stage of their investment journey.
Learn more here about GHJ’s Transaction Advisory and Private Equity Services.
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 23 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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