UK accounting and advisory practice S&W has named Debbie Reith as a partner in its research and development (R&D) team in Newcastle.
Reith has more than 20 years of experience in corporate tax and innovation incentives.
She joins from KPMG, where she most recently served as a partner in the innovation reliefs and incentives team.
Her career has focused on helping companies make full use of tax reliefs linked to innovation and technology investment, including R&D tax credits and Patent Box incentives.
Reith said: "I am delighted to be joining S&W at such an exciting stage in its growth.
"The firm has clear ambitions, a strong client-focused culture and a compelling opportunity to support innovative businesses across the UK.
"Research and development remain key to drive growth, productivity and competitiveness.
"I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to help clients maximise the value of the incentives available to them, advance their innovation ambitions and navigate an increasingly complex environment."
Reith's appointment is in line with the company's long-term expansion plans and its ongoing investment across the north, S&W said.
S&W Business Tax head Mark Webb said: "Debbie is a highly respected adviser with an outstanding reputation in the innovation incentives market.
"Her appointment strengthens our business tax practice and broadens our specialist expertise in an area of increasing importance to ambitious and innovative businesses.
"Debbie's deep experience advising clients on R&D tax relief and innovation incentives will be invaluable as we continue to support businesses looking to invest, grow and maximise the value of their innovation activities."
Last month, S&W added Stephane Kurgan and Luke Powell to its board as independent non-executive directors.
"S&W adds R&D tax partner in Newcastle, UK" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.