Grant Thornton Brisbane welcomes new partner

Having started her career with Grant Thornton South Africa, How has worked across financial audit and specialist accounting roles, including senior roles across the big four and mid-tier professional services firms.

How has a deep understanding of how sustainability reporting intersects with established financial reporting disciplines. She works closely with organisations to interpret and apply national sustainability reporting requirements and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

With extensive experience across a broad range of industries, How has also worked at Crowe Horwath Brisbane, Virgin Australia, BHP, Deloitte, and, most recently, was a director in IFRS and corporate reporting at BDO Australia.

Having worked with large, listed entities with global operations and complex, multi‑jurisdictional reporting obligations, How has also worked with smaller Australian entities.

She commenced in her new role on 9 February 2026.

In a statement, Grant Thornton said that How’s breadth of experience positions her strongly to support organisations in designing, implementing, and embedding sustainability reporting frameworks.

The firm added: “Elna is known for her empathetic, people‑centred leadership style. She brings highly effective communication skills and a practical and collaborative approach to working with clients.”

Reflecting on her time as a trainee accountant at Grant Thornton South Africa, How said that her appointment felt like a full circle moment.

“I look forward to continuing my work supporting clients as they respond to the evolving sustainability reporting landscape in Australia and abroad,” How said.

“We are delighted to welcome someone of Elna’s calibre to our national sustainability practice. With her blend of professional services and industry experience, she brings deep technical capability and a strong understanding of how sustainability reporting integrates with financial reporting,” said Andrew Rigele, Grant Thornton Australia head of ESG and sustainability services.

“Her leadership and experience will be instrumental as we continue to support clients through Australia’s evolving sustainability reporting landscape,” Rigele added.

Rigele said the addition of How and the recent acquisition of a sustainability specialist, David Pitt,s to its Brisbane partnership, strengthens the firm’s national sustainability capability.