David Hewitt is a Principal and Practice Leader in Ryan’s M&A Tax Advisory practice, based in London and advising clients globally. With more than 20 years of experience in transaction tax, including over a decade as an M&A tax partner within leading international firms, David supports corporate and private equity clients on complex domestic and cross-border transactions across multiple jurisdictions. He advises on acquisitions, disposals, IPOs, carve-outs, international reorganizations, joint ventures, and separation projects, delivering commercially grounded tax strategies aligned with broader business objectives.
David is recognized for his partner-led, hands-on approach to transaction execution. He frequently works alongside clients and advisors at the negotiating table, providing real-time guidance on structuring, due diligence, and risk mitigation while coordinating specialist teams across global markets. His experience spans high-profile and multijurisdictional transactions across the technology, consumer, industrial, and energy sectors. At Ryan, David is focused on building a globally integrated M&A tax advisory platform within the world’s largest standalone tax practice, delivering disciplined execution, technical rigor, and cohesive advice that helps clients manage risk and unlock long-term value.
Experience
Principal, Practice Leader – UK M&A Tax Advisory, Ryan, London office
Leads international M&A tax advisory engagements across domestic and cross-border transactions
Advises multinational corporate and private equity funds on structuring, due diligence, carve-outs, and separation projects
Acts as global tax lead on complex, multijurisdictional transactions, coordinating specialist teams across territories
Independent M&A Tax Adviser, Hewitt Capital Advisory, London
Provided senior-led advisory services to corporate and private equity clients on international transactions
Delivered structuring, due diligence, and negotiation support on complex cross-border deals
Partner, KPMG, London
Led large corporate and private equity M&A tax engagements across global transactions
Advised on structuring, due diligence, IPOs, and international reorganizations
Partner – Head of M&A Tax, Grant Thornton UK, London
Led international transaction tax and private equity tax teams across Funds, Deal Execution, and Value Creation divisions
Directed global tax due diligence, structuring, funds flow, and SPA advisory on complex cross-border transactions
Oversaw advisory services to private equity funds and portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle
Director, Ernst & Young, London
Advised multinational corporate and private equity clients on cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and carve-outs
Director, Grant Thornton UK
Senior member of the Transaction Tax and Private Equity team, supporting international deal activity
Tax Consultant, Simmons Gainsford LLP Tax Trainee, Deloitte UK, London