Shaw Gibbs managing partner appointed deputy chair of national association of independent accountants

The national association of independent accounting firms, DFK UK & Ireland has appointed a new deputy chairman – the managing partner of Oxford based accountancy company Shaw Gibbs.

Peter O’Connell steps into the role for the national group of global accountancy association DFK International, in preparation for taking over as chairman from Peter Winter when his four-year term ends in October 2021.

Both O’Connell and Winter, managing partner of London-based accountants CBW, are newer members of DFK with their firms, both of which are ranked in the top 100 accountancy firms in the UK, having joined in the last five years.

PeterO’Connell has been a board member of DFK UK & Ireland since 2018, with Shaw Gibbs having joined in 2016.

He said: “I am excited by my appointment as deputy chairman of DFK UK & Ireland and I am looking forward to the challenge it presents.

“We have a very strong UK and Ireland network and Peter Winter has done a tremendous job over the last three years as chairman in terms of bringing the group together and making it more relevant for our businesses.

“My primary focus will be on the continual evolution of the group by continuing to provide an environment for members to openly talk about business so we can learn from each other, and promoting members to the wider international association.”

DFK UK & Ireland has 16 member firms operating from 25 offices throughout UK and Ireland, with over 140 partners and more than 900 staff.

During his time as chairman, Winter has focused on encouraging greater engagement to strengthen the group and add value of membership.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome Peter as deputy chairman.  He is a great asset to DFK UK & Ireland and I look forward to working with him in my final year as chairman.

“As chairman, my remit has been to get more members engaged and for them to get more value from their membership as I firmly believe that the more you put in, the more you get out.

“As my successor, Peter will work with the board to implement our strategic plan and move forward with our vision for DFK UK & Ireland.”