Financial services firm Grant Thornton has boosted its corporate finance advisory team in Birmingham with the promotion of Maria Thomas to director.

Mrs Thomas joined Grant Thornton in 2007 and advises clients on a wide variety of disposals and mergers and acquisitions, latterly building on her expertise in cross border transactions.

Her new role will involve greater involvement with Grant Thornton's leadership team in Birmingham, helping to drive and develop the firm's local corporate finance advisory service.

Her previous deal work includes the sale of a majority stake in Leicestershire-headquartered packaging business Logson Group to Belfast-based W&R Barnett and trailer leasing company Grayrentals on its disposal to Hong Kong International Aviation Leasing Company.

Mustafa Abdulhusein, who leads Grant Thornton's corporate finance team in the Midlands, said: "Maria has been instrumental in helping to bring these deals and many others to fruition by directing not just the transaction process but also supporting her fellow team members to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

"She also works hard to develop and nurture strong relationships with a network of professionals and corporate contacts across the Midlands which have benefited the business and contributed to her success."