Simon Eaves has been appointed managing director of Accenture in the UK and Ireland. Effective 1st January 2021, he will have overall responsibility for Accenture’s industries and services in these countries.
Eaves is a 20-year veteran of Accenture and was group chief executive of Accenture’s Products organisation, serving clients in the consumer goods, retail and travel services; industrial; and life sciences industries. His roles included leading digital transformation across the enterprise, global zero-based budgeting and implementing next-generation technology platforms. Most recently, he served as chief strategy officer, driving the rapid evolution of Accenture’s industry points of view on Covid-19 and its global ventures and acquisitions strategy. He is an advocate of inclusion and diversity, including being a passionate supporter of Accenture’s LGBTQ ally program.
Olly Benzecry, who has served as managing director and chairman of Accenture in the UK and Ireland since 2011, will continue as chairman until he retires at the end of August 2021.
Commenting on the news, Julie Sweet, Accenture’s chief executive officer, said: “I am grateful to Olly for the tremendous impact he has made in his 28 years at Accenture as a force in our business, a role model for our people and a committed advocate for our communities, most recently as he led the announcement of our ethnicity goals in the UK.
“I am pleased he will continue in his role as chairman until retiring next year. As Simon assumes overall leadership of our business in the UK and Ireland, I’m confident that his seasoned expertise and commitment to our people and workplace equality will strengthen and grow Accenture in this critical market.”
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In addition, Bhaskar Ghosh has been named Accenture’s chief strategy officer, effective immediately, with responsibility for the company’s strategy and investments, including ventures and acquisitions. He will continue to lead the growth strategy for Accenture’s Industry X business, which includes digital manufacturing and intelligent products and platforms. Ghosh most recently served as advisor to Julie Sweet, Accenture’s chief executive officer, on critical areas including growth and investment strategy, business performance, organisational effectiveness and restructuring. Previously, Ghosh was group chief executive of Accenture Technology Services, directing strategy and investments, and leading platforms, products and global technology delivery.
“Bhaskar brings incredible vision and business acumen to his new role as chief strategy officer,” continued Sweet.
“Under his leadership, he helped grow Accenture into a technology industry powerhouse and expanded our data, cloud and security offerings. His vast experience will be invaluable as we invest to help our clients become cloud first and transform every aspect of their businesses with technology. Bhaskar’s long track record of creating “tech for good” and commitment to inclusion and diversity make him ideal to help us drive responsible business by design into every aspect of our strategy.”
Both Eaves and Ghosh will continue to sit on Accenture’s Global Management Committee.
