Economic advisor Diane Swonk joined Grant Thornton as chief economist, based out of the firm’s Chicago headquarters. Swonk will enhance client services with her economic forecasting acumen and significant experience advising U.S. policymakers, central banks, multinational corporations and C-suite teams.

Swonk has worked with a range of companies throughout her career, most recently with her private consulting firm, DS Economics.

“Businesses today are undergoing a huge amount of change,” said Grant Thornton CEO Mike McGuire. “Companies need sharp and timely economic insights to succeed – the very insights that have made Diane so well known. With her knowledge and experience across multiple sectors, including the high-growth middle market, Diane and her team complement our forward-thinking approach to solving clients’ problems.”

“My team and I are excited to work with Grant Thornton. We are looking forward to collaborating with the firm’s industry and policy leaders to help Grant Thornton’s clients move forward with confidence,” Swonk said.

Through DS Economics, Swonk advised clients from the Fortune 500 to small and midsize firms. Previously, she was chief economist at Mesirow Financial and director of economics for Bank One. She served two terms as an advisor to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and still advises the Federal Reserve. Swonk currently serves on the sitting committee for the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and advises the department of economics at the University of Michigan.