Justin Arnesen

Overview

Justin Arnesen is a Principal and Practice Leader for Europe and Asia-Pacific Innovation Funding at Ryan and is based in the Firm’s London office. He advises organizations on innovation funding, research and development (R&D) tax incentives, and strategic tax solutions, helping clients align tax strategy with commercial growth objectives. Justin works closely with executive stakeholders to design scalable, high-impact programs that support innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term business value across international markets. 
 
With extensive experience spanning tax advisory, management consulting, and practice leadership, Justin has successfully established and scaled multiple R&D incentive businesses and led high-performing teams across the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South Africa. He is recognized for driving sustained revenue growth, building collaborative and transparent team cultures, and developing market-leading service offerings. Justin combines a commercially focused mindset with a strong emphasis on technology, operational excellence, and talent development, enabling organizations to navigate complex incentive environments while delivering measurable client outcomes. 

Education and Qualifications

University of Johannesburg

Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA)

Registered Tax Practitioner, South African Revenue Service

Experience and Achievements

Principal, Practice Leader, Europe and Asia-Pacific Innovation Funding, Ryan, London office

• Leads innovation funding strategy and advisory services across Europe and Asia-Pacific

• Drives growth initiatives, client engagement, and operational alignment across the region

• Advises clients on R&D incentives, strategic tax planning, and innovation funding opportunities

Partner, Head of Business Tax, S&W, London

• Led business tax advisory services and strategic growth initiatives

• Supported complex tax advisory engagements across multiple sectors 

Partner, Head of Business Tax, Evelyn Partners, London

• Led a team of 30 partners and 250 professionals, driving significant business growth

• Developed strategic initiatives focused on operational performance and client outcomes

Partner, National Head of R&D Incentives Advisory, Evelyn Partners, London

• Established and scaled the R&D Incentives practice into a £10M+ business

• Built and led a team of more than 35 professionals across the Advisory practice

• Developed one of the firm’s fastest-growing and most profitable business units

Partner, Head of London Business Tax, Evelyn Partners, London

• Led the London Business Tax practice, overseeing growth, profitability, and team performance

• Managed teams of partners and professionals across complex advisory engagements

Partner, R&D Tax Incentives & Grants, Ayming, London

• Led transformation of the UK R&D Tax Incentives and Grants practice

• Drove significant growth through strategic positioning and service development

Director, R&D Tax Incentives & Grants, Ayming

R&D Tax and Incentive Specialist, Cova Advisory and Associates, Johannesburg

• Established and led the firm’s R&D tax and grants service offering

• Directed engagement with government stakeholders on incentive legislation and policy

Senior Manager, R&D Tax & Incentives, KPMG South Africa

• Built and managed the firm’s South African R&D tax business unit

• Led sales, marketing, and service delivery strategy initiatives

Assistant Manager, R&D Tax Incentives, Deloitte South Africa

• Developed R&D process methodologies and supported business development initiatives

• Mentored and managed junior professionals across advisory engagements

Consultant, R&D Tax Incentives, Deloitte New Zealand, Auckland

• Advised clients on R&D tax incentive engagements across New Zealand

• Supported national assignments and development of junior team members

• Member, CIRIA