Accenture Mandates AI Upskilling Amid Restructuring, Plans Hiring Spree for AI Talent

Accenture is compelling its workforce to adapt to AI or face departure, as part of a sweeping restructuring strategy. CEO Julie Sweet emphasized the company’s commitment to upskilling employees, labeling it the firm’s top priority. Those unable to reskill will be phased out swiftly. The consultancy has already trained 550,000 staff in generative AI fundamentals under an $865 million optimization program, which includes layoffs and severance packages.

CFO Angie Park projects $1 billion in savings from the initiative, with plans to reinvest in operations and remaining personnel. Despite ongoing cuts, Accenture continues to expand its AI and data teams, aiming to grow from 40,000 workers in 2023 to 77,000 by 2025. Hiring will focus on the U.S., Europe, and other key markets.

The restructuring unfolds against a backdrop of robust financial performance, with revenue climbing 7% to $69.7 billion. Sweet attributes this growth directly to AI integration across the company’s operations.