Accenture names Julie Sweet as CEO and David Rowland as Executive Chairman

Accenture’s board of directors has announced that Julie Sweet has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. David Rowland, currently interim Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed as Executive Chairman. Marge Magner, currently non-executive chair of the board, will resume her role as Lead Independent Director. These changes are effective Sept. 1, 2019, says the company in a press statement.

Sweet is currently Chief Executive Officer of Accenture’s business in North America, the company’s largest geographic market with revenues of approximately $18 billion for fiscal 2018, serving more than 70% of the Fortune 500. Previously, Sweet was Accenture’s general counsel, secretary, and chief compliance officer. As a member of Accenture’s senior leadership team for nearly a decade, she has played an integral role in the company’s business and investment strategy. Prior to joining Accenture, Sweet was a partner for 10 years in the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Upon assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer, Sweet will join the company’s Board of Directors.

Accenture says that as Executive Chair, Rowland will continue to play a key role and be actively involved in Accenture’s business. He will chair the board of directors, act as an advisor to Sweet and be involved in Accenture’s long-term business strategy. He will also continue to represent Accenture with clients around the world and with key external groups.

Accenture confirmed that there is no change to the business outlook for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2019 that the company provided as part of its third-quarter fiscal 2019 earnings announcement on June 27, 2019.