Latest news with #ManishSharma
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Accenture Changes Growth Model to Reinvent Itself for the Age of AI
Changes will enable Accenture to serve clients and technology ecosystem partners better and faster and create next waves of growth to benefit all stakeholders NEW YORK, June 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today announced changes to its growth model and its leadership, effective September 1, 2025. Accenture has delivered on its strategy to be its clients' reinvention partner of choice and to lead in Gen AI through its deeply skilled people and by bringing its clients multi-service solutions, including world-class, AI-enabled assets and platforms, as only Accenture can. These solutions are unique and deliver measurable value because Accenture has built scaled services in Strategy, Consulting, Song, Technology and Operations, deep industry and functional experience and unmatched technology ecosystem partnerships. Now Accenture will bring all of these services together in a single, integrated business unit called Reinvention Services, under the leadership of Manish Sharma, Accenture's current CEO of the Americas. Sharma will become Accenture's first Chief Services Officer. As an integrated business unit, Reinvention Services will be able to create more leading solutions faster and embed data and AI more easily into its solutions and delivery. The company will continue to manage its business through three geographic markets—the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Asia Pacific—and go to market by industry. John Walsh, Accenture's current global Chief Operating Officer, will become CEO of the Americas, succeeding Sharma. Kate Hogan, the current Chief Operating Officer of the Americas, will become the global Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Walsh. "Today, our clients need more value faster, and Accenture is their reinvention partner of choice," said Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture. "These changes to our growth model will allow us to deliver that value and continue to scale our business by being an even stronger engine of reinvention that more rapidly delivers the power of Gen AI. We are writing the playbook for how to be the most AI-enabled, client-focused professional services company in the world and a great place to work for our people—our reinventors." Effective Sept. 1, 2025, the new integrated business unit will have the following leads, reporting to Sharma: Strategy will continue to be led by Muqsit Ashraf, Group Chief Executive—Strategy. Consulting will be led by Jason Dess, current lead of CFO and Enterprise Value, who will become Group Chief Executive —Consulting. Dess succeeds Jack Azagury, who has decided to leave Accenture to pursue other opportunities. Song will be led by Ndidi Oteh, currently Song's lead in the Americas. (See prior announcement here.) Technology will be led by Rajendra Prasad, currently Accenture's Chief Information and Asset Engineering Officer, who will become Group Chief Executive—Technology and Chief Technology Officer. Prasad succeeds Karthik Narain, who has decided to leave Accenture to pursue other opportunities. Operations will continue to be led by Arundhati Chakraborty, Group Chief Executive—Operations. Additionally, Kate Clifford, currently CHRO of the Americas, will become the global Chief Leadership and Human Resources Officer, succeeding Angela Beatty, who has decided to leave Accenture to pursue other opportunities. "Each of these leaders will play a crucial role in realizing the promise of our new growth model," said Sweet. "I am deeply grateful to Jack, Karthik and Angela for their outstanding contributions during their time at Accenture." Forward-Looking StatementsExcept for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "likely," "anticipates," "aspires," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "positioned," "outlook," "goal," "target," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance nor promises that goals or targets will be met, and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, without limitation, risks that: Accenture's results of operations have been, and may in the future be, adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company's clients' businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture's business depends on generating and maintaining client demand for the company's services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the evolving technological environment could materially affect the company's results of operations; risks and uncertainties related to the development and use of AI could harm our business, damage our reputation or give rise to legal or regulatory action; if Accenture is unable to match people and their skills with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company's business, the utilization rate of the company's professionals and the company's results of operations may be materially adversely affected; Accenture faces legal, reputational and financial risks from any failure to protect client and/or company data from security incidents or cyberattacks; the markets in which Accenture operates are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accenture's ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if Accenture does not successfully manage and develop its relationships with key ecosystem partners or fails to anticipate and establish new alliances in new technologies, the company's results of operations could be adversely affected; Accenture's profitability could materially suffer due to pricing pressure, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies or fail to satisfy certain agreed-upon targets or specific service levels; changes in Accenture's level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company's effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture's results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture's debt obligations could adversely affect our business and financial condition; changes to accounting standards or in the estimates and assumptions Accenture makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; as a result of Accenture's geographically diverse operations and our strategy to continue to grow in our key markets around the world, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; Accenture might not be successful at acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture's business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture's work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture's global operations expose the company to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements; if Accenture is unable to protect or enforce its intellectual property rights or if Accenture's services or solutions infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company loses its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the "Risk Factors" heading in Accenture plc's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as updated in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture's expectations. About AccentureAccenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world's leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world's leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at View source version on Contacts Rachel FreyAccenture+1 917 452 Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
"Action Will Be Taken": Officials After NDTV's Operation Blood Exposes Black Market
Bhopal: After NDTV's Operation Blood exposed an alarming black market in blood across several top hospitals and blood banks in Bhopal, senior ministers and health officials have responded with promises of strict action, detailed investigations, and policy reviews. The multi-institutional sting uncovered how blood, meant to be donated and distributed ethically, is being sold illegally through a widespread network of brokers, ambulance drivers, and blood bank staff. Madhya Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Public Health & Medical Education, Rajendra Shukla, condemned the irregularities exposed in the sting. "Whatever illegal work is done in such cases... when it is caught, strict action is taken. It is constantly said that such things should be avoided. But if someone still does it, they do it at their own risk - and action follows." Chief Medical and Health Officer of Bhopal, Dr Manish Sharma, acknowledged the gravity of the issue. "You have raised a very important issue. The way it has come to light, it appears to be a full-fledged network. We will order a thorough investigation. Smuggling of blood must be stopped. A team will be formed, and action will be taken. The needy should receive blood at the fixed government rate. You will see results soon," he said. The sting had previously shown how brokers operated in and around Hamidia Hospital. In response, Dr Sunit Tandon, the hospital superintendent, said, "This kind of case has come to my notice for the first time, and that too through your investigation. If anyone is found guilty, we will take appropriate and firm action." Perhaps the most concerning revelation came from Ruby Khan, Deputy Director of the State Blood Cell and part of the State Blood Transfusion Council, who admitted that inspections happen only during licensing renewals. When asked if there was routine monitoring, she said, "We do it only during license renewal. If there are complaints, we investigate." "We have not received any complaints so far. If you have found such irregularities, we are ready to look into them. People should not fall into such traps. The rate fixed by the government is 1,050. If anyone is charging more, that is wrong," she added. While the sting also exposed blood being sold outside AIIMS Bhopal, Dr Ajay Singh, the Director of AIIMS, insisted that the internal system was strict. "We have rigorous vigilance. 80% of our blood comes from voluntary donation. We never accept externally sourced blood for transfusion. If a patient needs it urgently, we arrange it through government channels. We maintain a strict environment and cross-check regular donors. AIIMS Bhopal does not compromise on this," he said. In response to being named in the investigation, Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital's Medical Superintendent, Dr Harmeet Kau,r said: "We have our own blood bank and provide blood only to our patients with proper prescriptions. We do not supply blood to outsiders. If anyone from our hospital is found involved in suspicious activity, we will take action. But normally, this doesn't happen here." With blood being sold for up to Rs 7,000 despite a government-fixed rate of Rs 1,050, and networks operating outside the gates of major institutions, the issue is no longer isolated - it's systemic. NDTV has shared its findings with state health authorities. The government's response now faces public scrutiny - not just to punish the guilty, but to reform the loophole-ridden blood distribution system, ensuring that life-saving blood doesn't come at a deadly price.
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
eClerx Named a Major Contender in Everest Group's Marketing Services PEAK Matrix® 2025
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eClerx Services Ltd ( a leading productized services company, today announced that it has been named a Major Contender in Everest Group's Marketing Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025. 'eClerx is recognized as a Major Contender in Everest Group's Marketing Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025, underpinned by its proprietary solutions, strategic partnerships, and emphasis on operational excellence' Share Everest Group's PEAK Matrix® evaluates leading marketing service providers by analyzing their strengths, limitations, and market position. It assesses vision, capabilities, talent, and cost—serving as a trusted resource for enterprises and a benchmarking tool for providers. 'As marketers increasingly prioritize personalized and data-driven customer experiences, AI has become essential to streamline and scale operations with greater speed and precision. Agentic AI further enables autonomous, context-aware decisions across campaigns and content. As a result, enterprises increasingly seek AI-first partners, with end-to-end marketing services capabilities, positioning providers with embedded intelligence to drive the next wave of marketing efficiency and customer impact,' says Nisha Krishan, Vice President, Everest Group. She goes on to say, 'eClerx is recognized as a Major Contender in Everest Group's Marketing Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025, underpinned by its proprietary solutions, strategic partnerships, and emphasis on operational excellence. It offers strong AI-driven capabilities to support campaign planning, real-time insights, and content compliance, contributing to efficient marketing operations and improved customer journey management. Buyers recognize eClerx for its transparency, flexibility, and proactive relationship management across complex marketing transformation programs.' The report highlighted several of eClerx's key strengths, including: End-to-end marketing expertise: eClerx offers a wide range of marketing services spanning strategy and consulting, marketing operations, analytics, and technology. Proprietary solutions built for performance: eClerx's purpose-built products (Market360, FLUiiD4®, Roboworx, and Merchandiser+) amplify content output, unlock deep competitor insights, and streamline workflows across the marketing lifecycle. GenAI360 for supercharged marketing: eClerx's award-winning GenAI suite accelerates campaign planning, creative production, and performance optimization, bringing intelligence to every stage of the marketing funnel. Ecosystem of top-tier partners: eClerx integrates seamlessly with the many of the world's leading platforms, including Adobe, Salesforce, Braze, CleverTap, and more, to future-proof client ecosystems. 'This recognition truly reinforces our commitment at eClerx to push the boundaries of what marketing services can achieve,' says Manish Sharma, Chief Revenue Officer, eClerx. 'We believe that the future of marketing lies at the intersection of data, technology, and creativity. By harnessing these elements, we enable our clients across diverse industries not just to reach their audience, but also to engage them in ways that drive real, measurable impact. This accolade motivates us to keep innovating and delivering solutions that accelerate growth and transform brands globally.' About eClerx eClerx provides business process management, automation, and analytics services to a number of Fortune 2000 enterprises, including some of the world's leading financial services, communications, retail, fashion, media & entertainment, manufacturing, travel & leisure, and technology companies. Incorporated in 2000, eClerx is today traded on both the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India. The firm employs more than 19,000 people across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, and the USA. Disclaimer Licensed extracts taken from Everest Group's PEAK Matrix® Reports, may be used by licensed third parties for use in their own marketing and promotional activities and collateral. Selected extracts from Everest Group's PEAK Matrix® reports do not necessarily provide the full context of our research and analysis. All research and analysis conducted by Everest Group's analysts and included in Everest Group's PEAK Matrix® reports is independent and no organization has paid a fee to be featured or to influence their ranking. To access the complete research and to learn more about our methodology, please visit Everest Group PEAK Matrix® Reports. About Everest Group Everest Group is a leading global research firm helping business leaders make confident decisions. Everest Group's PEAK Matrix® assessments provide the analysis and insights enterprises need to make critical selection decisions about global services providers, locations, and products and solutions within various market segments. Likewise, providers of these services, products, and solutions, look to the PEAK Matrix® to gauge and calibrate their offerings against others in the industry or market. Find further details and in-depth content at
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Time of India
Pilgrimage bookings from Gujarat decline by 20%
Ahmedabad: The summer sun usually signals a bustling season for pilgrimage tours in Ahmedabad, with tour operators and private bus companies gearing up for a surge in demand. Traditionally, the spiritual journey begins with the revered Char Dham Yatra, followed by expeditions to Kailash Mansarovar, and later to the holy cities of Ayodhya and Kashi. However, this year, an unexpected chill has settled over the pilgrimage circuit, as a confluence of unfavourable weather and escalating cross-border tensions has significantly dampened the spirits of potential travellers. Tour operators are reporting a notable 20% drop in pilgrimage tour bookings from Gujarat, a stark departure from the usual vibrant scene. Adding to the woes are logistical hurdles that have further complicated travel plans. The Uttarakhand govt's new mandate for compulsory Aadhaar-based authentication for the Char Dham Yatra has introduced a layer of complexity for pilgrims. Last year's experiences of heavy rainfall and disruptive landslides are also fresh in the minds of travellers, making them hesitant to embark on long journeys. "Rain and landslides, coupled with stringent traffic control measures, led to disruptions. Aadhaar card linkages sought for compliance issues take place in a big way, which resulted in hesitation among potential pilgrims. Due to this, inquiries are less. Scores of buses typically depart from Gujarat for the Char Dham pilgrimage during summer, but the scenario is different this year," explained Manish Sharma, a seasoned travel industry expert. Concerns about recent Indo-Pak border tensions, uncertainty regarding a new Covid variant, and significant travel expenditures on the Kumbh Mela earlier this year are all cited by operators in the city as causes for a reduced uptake. "The seasonal business is down by at least 20% this time around. We have some inquiries, but none are confirmed. Now the bookings for Kailash Mansarovar will begin and later around Oct, those for Kashi and Ayodhya. However, the scenario will be uncertain till inquiries get converted into final bookings," said Mahesh Dudakiya, owner of another travel firm. Sharma also said, "The response of tourists is largely driven by concerns after the Pahalgam episode. Even though interest in the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage remains high, concrete bookings have yet to materialise in significant numbers." Travel industry sources also said that a sustained shortage of helicopter services, specifically for Kedar Nath — a shrine requiring a challenging 16-km trek, pony ride, or palanquin — further deterred senior citizens, who make up a large segment of pilgrimage participants. The industry now turns its hopes to travel demand bouncing back during the Diwali period.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ahmedabad–US airfares nosedive as visa rush slows
Ahmedabad: If you have ever dreamt of flying to the United States but were grounded by sky-high airfare, this summer might just be your moment, provided you have a valid visa to the American land. A sharp dip in travel demand, especially among students, coupled with visa woes for tourists and foreign education aspirants, has led to a dramatic fall in airfare prices from Ahmedabad to the US, offering a golden window for globetrotters, according to industry travel booked on May 8 for a round trip between June 8 and 21, the cost of a one-stop, 19-hour flight between Ahmedabad and the US is now pegged at approximately Rs 85,000. That breaks down to just Rs 42,500 one-way — nearly or less than half of what flyers paid last year. Compare that with the jaw-dropping summer 2024 fares that reached up to Rs 2.2 lakh for a round trip."This is a steep decline as compared to last year. It will benefit tourists who plan to visit the US this year. However, there is a marked 35-40% decline in group tour bookings to the US, thanks to visa issues and unavailability of slots for visitor visas. Moreover, the uncertainty around policies of the new govt, more people are refraining from making travel plans to the US," said Manish Sharma, owner of a travel company from woes have deterred many visitors from going to the US. An overall reduced intake has impacted airfares. Virendra Shah, a travel expert, said, "A combination of factors including changing visa policies amidst geopolitical shifts have caused fewer flyers to visit the US. With the US govt's stricter immigration stance tightening the pipeline for students and tourists, the once-bursting outbound traffic from India has notably thinned. Fewer visa approvals mean fewer fliers, and airlines are responding by slashing prices to fill up seats. Due to stricter policies, people are rethinking their travel plans."According to travel industry players, flights to the US from not just Ahmedabad, but also Mumbai and Delhi, are seeing a similar trend. "Due to visa issues, fewer students are going this time around as compared to last year. Moreover, student visits will begin from July-end onwards for the fall intake and therefore, the current airfares will certainly be less," said Bhavin Thaker, foreign education improved air connectivity between India and the US has played a key role in the reduction of fares. With more one-stop options and streamlined connections through international hubs, flyers now enjoy better schedules and competitive pricing. This fare drop comes as an unexpected relief for leisure travellers, business professionals and even Indian Americans planning to visit family back Quotes:Leisure travel remains strong, with 15-day tourist packages selling well for those with valid visitor visas. Such tourists currently benefit from lower airfares to the Shah, travel expertStudent travel numbers this season are expected to be lower due to visa issues and limited appointment availability. Airfares are likely to increase towards the end of July as the peak season for the fall intake begins Bhavin Thaker, foreign education consultant
