Accenture hires new Chairman, MD

NEW DELHI: Technology services provider Accenture has appointed Rekha M Menon as its new Chairman and Anindya Basu as Country, Managing Director for India operations, with effect from August 21, 2015.

Two days ago, Avinash Vashistha, current Chairman and Country Managing Director of Accenture India, has put in his papers and he will serve his term till August end.

As Chairman, Menon will play an active role in growing Accenture’s business and further strengthening the company’s presence in communities across India.

She will continue to be deeply engaged in the company’s Inclusion and Diversity and Corporate Citizenship initiatives and will also be responsible for institutional relationships with public authorities and industry associations.

Menon is currently Managing Director, Human Resources, for Accenture’s growth markets and has been leading the development and execution of the company’s human capital strategy for Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Turkey and Latin America.

Previously, she served as the Managing Director, Geographic Operations for India, ASEAN and the Asia Pacific Delivery Centers, where she supported the growth and development of Accenture’s Global Delivery Network. She has over 24 years of industry experience, and she is well-recognized as one of the most powerful women in business in India.

"Her (Menon) experience will be extremely valuable as we continue to build our brand and enhance our reputation as a leader in India," said Gianfranco Casati, Group Chief Executive, Growth Markets, Accenture.

In his new role, Basu will be responsible for driving Accenture’s domestic business in India and building relationships with key clients by leveraging the company’s capabilities in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations.

Basu will continue his role working with Accenture’s products clients in India, as well as serving as the APAC Regional Lead of the company’s Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure and Travel and Transportation Industry practice.

During his 23 years with Accenture, he has held leadership roles spanning multiple industries, including Automotive, Industrial Equipment, Travel and Transportation, Consumer Goods and Chemicals.

“With his experience, insights and vision for our business in India, he is well-equipped to make a difference in this important market," said Casati.

“I also want to recognize and thank Avinash Vashistha, who has been the Chairman and Country Managing Director of Accenture in India since 2011, for the contributions he has made to Accenture,” said Casati.

“We wish him well as he leaves Accenture to pursue entrepreneurial and corporate leadership opportunities in technology," he added.