Accountancy firm appoints chief client officer to support next phase of growth

Dains has announced the appointment of Fiona McSwein (pictured) as chief client officer, as the Group continues its strong growth trajectory across the UK and Ireland.

The announcement will strengthen the group’s focus on client development, digital transformation and the delivery of a consistent, high-quality client experience as the business enters its next phase of growth.

The group has expanded rapidly in recent years through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic growth. One year on from securing private equity investment from IK Partners, Dains is now more than 1,000 professionals strong.

McSwein joins Dains from leading SME insurance provider Simply Business, where she held various positions including chief customer officer and VP strategic programs.

She brings a wealth of experience from senior leadership roles including chief marketing officer and product director positions at Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC and lastminute.com and European Directories.

She has significant experience working with private equity partners to scale business through customer insight and organic growth.

Her career has been defined by leading digital transformation, delivering customer-led growth strategies, and developing agile, data-driven teams across sales & marketing, product and customer experience.

Her expertise will play a key role in further strengthening Dains’ client proposition and ensuring the Group continues to deliver a market-leading experience for clients.

Alongside her corporate career, McSwein serves as Trustee of Whizz Kidz, the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users. 

She has also been an Entrepreneurship Mentor for Cambridge University Judge Business School.

Richard McNeilly, chief executive officer at Dains, said: “As we move into 2026, Dains continues to build on the progress of recent years.

“We’ve strengthened our capabilities, continued to integrate across the Group and invested in the leadership required for the next stage of our growth.

“Fiona brings an exceptional track record in customer-led transformation, digital innovation and building high-performing teams, alongside valuable experience working with private equity partners in scaling businesses.

“Her appointment reinforces our commitment to putting clients at the heart of everything we do and ensuring we continue to deliver consistently high standards as we grow.”

Fiona McSwein, chief client officer at Dains said: “Dains has a clear sense of purpose and a culture that puts clients at the centre of every decision. The Group is ambitious and is committed to delivering real value for clients of all sizes.

“I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and to delivering meaningful, measurable results for clients.

“My focus will be on strengthening alignment across teams, digital transformation, and supporting colleagues in delivering successful outcomes for the businesses we support.”