John Forni is a distinguished tax executive whose five-decade career has shaped and strengthened some of the world’s most influential financial and insurance institutions. Recognized for his exceptional leadership within highly regulated and globally diverse environments, he has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to executive teams navigating the complexities of modern tax governance, international structuring, and enterprise-level financial strategy. His career reflects not only a mastery of technical tax disciplines but also a deep commitment to developing strong organizations, cultivating talent, and ensuring long-term financial integrity for the clients and companies he has served.
From his earliest professional experiences at Ernst & Young and PwC, John established himself as an analytical and forward-thinking advisor capable of managing intricate tax matters with precision and vision. These formative years gave him an appreciation for the foundational elements of accounting and compliance, while also igniting his interest in the broader strategic implications of corporate tax work. As he advanced into senior roles at global financial institutions, his ability to blend technical expertise with enterprise-level thinking quickly distinguished him as a leader who could see the full picture—operational, financial, regulatory, and strategic.
During his tenure as Associate Director at Bear Stearns and later as Tax Director at UBS, John expanded his expertise into cross-border transactions and the complexities of multinational tax operations. These roles deepened his understanding of the dynamic international regulatory landscape and positioned him as a vital contributor to organizations undergoing rapid global expansion. He became known for bridging tax strategy with broader business objectives, ensuring that leadership teams understood not only the compliance implications of their decisions but also the financial and operational opportunities that thoughtful tax structuring could unlock.
John’s leadership reached new heights when he joined Merrill Lynch as First Vice President, a role in which he further refined his ability to guide high-performing financial institutions through evolving global markets. His work supported executive decision-making across diverse business units, strengthening tax governance frameworks and proactively addressing risk in an increasingly complex regulatory climate. His steady, informed leadership allowed him to build deep credibility with senior executives, earning their trust through transparency, insight, and a commitment to ethical decision-making.
Perhaps the most defining chapter of John’s career came during his seven-year tenure as Chief Tax Officer for AIG’s global property and casualty operations, where he held responsibility for the tax affairs of more than 550 legal entities across 100 countries. Leading a team of 125 tax professionals, he developed and implemented global tax structures designed to reduce risk, optimize capital efficiency, and support long-term corporate stability. His leadership extended across financial reporting, tax planning and controversy, transfer pricing, internal controls, Solvency II preparation, and capital management initiatives—including CCAR flows, reinsurance optimization, and international restructuring programs. In this role, John became known not only for his technical acumen but also for his ability to build resilient systems and empower teams to excel in fast-moving, high-stakes environments.
Following his success at AIG, John transitioned into senior consulting leadership, serving as Managing Director at Smart Devine and later at Grant Thornton LLP. At Grant Thornton, he played an instrumental role in shaping the firm’s national insurance tax practice, guiding its growth while providing sophisticated advisory services to leading organizations across the insurance and financial services sectors. His approach combined hands-on expertise with a strong coaching mindset, enabling both clients and internal teams to navigate complex challenges with clarity and confidence.
Today, as the National Insurance Tax Practice Leader at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, John continues to influence the industry at the highest level. His work spans corporate tax strategy, cross-border transactions, financial reporting, controversy resolution, internal controls, and the development of next-generation tax operating models. He is valued for his ability to translate complex tax issues into actionable strategies that support growth, stability, and long-term business success. His deep institutional knowledge and calm, pragmatic leadership style enable organizations to meet regulatory demands while positioning themselves for global competitiveness.
Beyond his extensive technical background, John has contributed to professional thought leadership through publications in the Tax Lawyer Journal and presentations at Federal Bar Association events and industry conferences. His ability to articulate intricate issues with clarity has made him a sought-after speaker and a respected voice in the tax community. He has consistently used these platforms to mentor emerging professionals, share critical insights, and advocate for higher standards in tax governance.
John attributes much of his success to the values he learned early in his career—integrity, diligence, humility, and a commitment to excellence. These principles have guided him through every stage of his professional journey, shaping the decisions he has made and the organizations he has influenced. His global experience, particularly his work in the United Kingdom and across international markets, has also reinforced his belief in the importance of cultural awareness, collaboration, and strong communication within global teams.
Now entering a new chapter, John is seeking opportunities to serve on boards and advisory committees where he can apply his decades of experience to support organizational oversight, strategic risk management, and long-term financial stewardship. He is motivated by a desire to remain engaged in the insurance and financial services tax community, contribute his accumulated wisdom, and assist companies navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. With a perspective shaped by fifty years of professional service, he offers a rare combination of historical insight, modern strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to doing what is right for the businesses he advises.
In his personal time, John enjoys fishing and values the sense of balance and reflection it brings. Whether guiding a global tax team or mentoring rising professionals, he approaches every challenge with patience, focus, and a deep respect for the responsibilities entrusted to him. His legacy is one of leadership grounded in character, expertise grounded in experience, and contributions grounded in a lifelong dedication to his craft.
Character:
John demonstrates exceptional character through his disciplined leadership, ethical decision-making, and genuine respect for the people and organizations he serves. He consistently acts with integrity, ensuring transparency and fairness in every professional relationship. His unwavering dependability and commitment to excellence reinforce his reputation as a trusted advisor and accomplished executive.
Knowledge:
He possesses a depth of tax and financial expertise that has been refined over five decades of leadership across global institutions. He brings an informed understanding of international regulations, corporate strategy, and the intricate relationship between tax functions and enterprise success. His comprehensive knowledge allows him to anticipate challenges and guide organizations through complex, high-stakes decisions.
Strategic:
John approaches every challenge with a strategic mindset rooted in both analytical rigor and practical real-world experience. He excels at connecting technical tax considerations with broader operational and corporate objectives to drive meaningful business outcomes. His ability to develop long-term, sustainable strategies has made him a trusted leader for organizations facing complex regulatory and financial environments.
Communication:
Communicates with clarity, empathy, and precision, ensuring complex issues are understood by diverse audiences. He is skilled at translating technical information into actionable guidance for executive teams, boards, and cross-functional partners. His thoughtful communication style fosters collaboration, strengthens decision-making, and empowers others to perform at their highest potential.
