Arla Lach Honored by Crain’s Chicago Business
Crain’s Chicago Business has recognized Arla Lach as a notable leader in accounting, calling attention to the steady, visible impact she’s had on professional services in Chicago. The honor underscores her influence on how the field shows up for clients, teams, and the city’s business community.
Career Highlights
Lach serves as the market managing principal at Grant Thornton’s headquarters in Chicago. It’s a role with real weight: she’s the first woman to lead the firm’s Chicago location, a milestone that reflects both her track record and the trust she’s earned. Her approach centers on clear goals, consistent follow-through, and results that lift teams as well as clients.
Nearly 25 Years of Service
Her path at Grant Thornton spans nearly 25 years and a range of leadership roles. Before stepping into her current post, Lach served as Audit leader for the Midwest region and as chief of staff to the CEO. Those roles sharpened her ability to manage complex, cross-functional work and gave her a wide-angle view of the firm—skills she draws on daily in Chicago.
Service Beyond the Office
Lach pairs her professional responsibilities with visible community engagement. She serves on the board of Chicago’s Gateway Foundation, which focuses on addiction recovery, and holds leadership roles within World Business Chicago and the International Women's Forum. The through-line is simple: use experience to help people and institutions move forward.
A Leader Whose Impact Resonates
Colleagues see the difference. David Platt, managing principal of Grant Thornton’s Central region, points to Lach’s authentic leadership and the way she builds genuine relationships with colleagues and clients alike. He credits her steady support and sincere interest in others with helping create a workplace where people can do their best work.
Investing in the Next Generation
Lach also gives time and attention to the profession’s future. She’s active in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society, where she shares perspectives on emerging industry trends. She frequently engages with students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and contributes to the university’s accounting advisory board—practical touchpoints that help students see how classroom learning connects to real work.
Recognizing the Team Behind the Recognition
Grateful for Crain’s recognition, Lach points first to her teammates. She credits the firm’s success to collective effort, the everyday decisions people make for clients, and the care they bring to their craft. As Grant Thornton celebrates its centenary, she looks ahead with confidence, noting there’s more to achieve—and that the firm’s people will carry that momentum.
About Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton provides audit, assurance, tax, and advisory services across the United States. For the fiscal year ending July 31, 2023, the firm reported upwards of $2.4 billion in revenue and operates numerous offices nationwide, representing nearly 10,000 professionals focused on delivering high-quality service.
Values and Approach
The firm’s philosophy centers on strong relationships and a clear commitment to client success. Its alternative practice structure supports compliance with applicable laws and standards while enabling a broad range of services. From first meeting to final deliverable, Grant Thornton emphasizes high standards, consistency, and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Crain’s Chicago Business recognize Arla Lach for?
Crain’s Chicago Business named Arla Lach a notable leader in accounting, highlighting her influence on professional services and her contributions to Chicago’s business community.
What is her role at Grant Thornton today?
She is the market managing principal for Grant Thornton’s Chicago headquarters and the first woman to lead the firm’s Chicago location.
What experience does she bring to the position?
Over nearly 25 years at Grant Thornton, Lach has held multiple leadership roles, including Audit leader for the Midwest region and chief of staff to the CEO, experience that informs her day-to-day leadership in Chicago.
How is she involved outside her day job?
She serves on the board of Chicago’s Gateway Foundation, holds leadership roles with World Business Chicago and the International Women’s Forum, participates in the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society, and engages with students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign through its accounting advisory board.
What should I know about Grant Thornton as a firm?
Grant Thornton offers audit, assurance, tax, and advisory services; reported upwards of $2.4 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2023; operates numerous offices nationwide; and has nearly 10,000 professionals committed to high standards and client success.
