Julie Sweet: How Accenture’s First Female CEO Transformed the Company

PERSON IN NEWS: Julie Sweet

Context:

Julie Sweet is the first female CEO and current Chair of Accenture, one of the world’s leading consulting and professional services firms. She has been instrumental in driving the company’s digital transformation, AI expansion, and sustainability agenda.Key Contributions & Leadership Highlights:

• Appointment: Became CEO of Accenture in September 2019 and Chair in 2021.
• AI & Digital Push: Announced a $3 billion AI investment plan, aiming to double Accenture’s AI workforce to 80,000 specialists.
• Geopolitical Decision: Oversaw Accenture’s exit from Russia during the Ukraine conflict, underlining ethics and agility in corporate strategy.
• Sustainability & Diversity: Integrated responsible AI, inclusion, and sustainability into the firm’s business strategy.
• Workforce Leadership: Leads a global workforce of ~774,000 employees across multiple geographies.

Compensation (2024):

• Total: $24.9 million
  • Salary: $1.55M
  • Bonus: $2M
  • Equity awards: $21M
  • Other compensation: ~$316,500

Education & Career Path:

• B.A. – Claremont McKenna College
• J.D. – Columbia Law School
• Corporate lawyer at Cravath, Swaine & Moore (17 years)
• Joined Accenture in 2010 as General Counsel
• Became CEO of Accenture North America in 2015
• Appointed Global CEO in 2019

Leadership Values & Philosophy:

• Advocates confidence, competence, and continuous learning.
• Strongly supports women in leadership and responsible innovation.
• Recognized as one of the most powerful women in business.
  
  Updated -  September 1, 2025 7:12 AM | https://www.ceotodaymagazine.com/