- September 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Karthik Narain Succeeds Paul Daugherty as Accenture’s New CTO
Karthik Narain Succeeds Paul Daugherty as Accenture’s New CTO
In a pivotal leadership transition, Accenture, a global professional services company, has appointed Karthik Narain as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Narain succeeds Paul Daugherty, who has retired after nearly four decades of service, leaving an indelible mark on the company’s technological direction.
A Seamless Transition at the Helm
Narain’s appointment as CTO comes as a natural progression, as he will continue his responsibilities as Group Chief Executive – Technology, a role in which he has been leading technology strategy and operations for the global consulting giant. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Narain expressed his gratitude to Daugherty, acknowledging the immense shoes he has to fill and the lasting impact Daugherty has had on the company.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude and best wishes to a brilliant tech visionary and storyteller, Paul Daugherty, who is retiring from the CTO role. You have left me with immense shoes to fill after almost four decades at Accenture—and your impact will be felt long beyond.”
Daugherty, in turn, shared a farewell post on LinkedIn, reflecting on his 38-year journey with Accenture. He recounted his career’s evolution, starting with Cobol IMS DB/DC on an IBM S/370 in 1986 and progressing through multiple programming languages like PL/1, LISP, and Python.
Karthik Narain’s Impressive Credentials
Karthik Narain brings over two decades of leadership experience in the technology sector to his new role at Accenture. Prior to joining the company, he served as Vice President and Vertical Head for High Tech, Software & Platforms, and Automotive at HCLTech from 2005 to 2015. He also has experience working with Infosys. Narain holds a Master’s degree in Computer Systems and Business from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli.
Accenture’s Recent Activities and Future Plans
Accenture has been at the forefront of driving technological innovation and embracing emerging technologies like generative AI. In a recent development, the company acquired Bengaluru-based chip design company Excelmax Technologies, further strengthening its capabilities in the semiconductor industry.
With Narain at the helm, Accenture is well-positioned to continue its pursuit of technological excellence and drive innovation across various sectors, including retail, marketing, and finance.
AI-related Events on the Horizon
As the world embraces the transformative power of artificial intelligence, several upcoming events and conferences promise to shed light on the latest advancements and discussions in the field. Accenture’s leadership is expected to actively participate and share insights at these gatherings, shaping the discourse around AI’s impact on various industries.
One such event is the Cypher AI Summit, a prestigious gathering of AI experts, thought leaders, and industry professionals. Narain’s appointment as CTO aligns with Accenture’s commitment to driving AI innovation and adoption across enterprises.
Conclusion: A New Era for Accenture’s Technological Leadership
The transition from Paul Daugherty to Karthik Narain as Accenture’s CTO marks a significant milestone in the company’s technological journey. With Narain’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities, Accenture is poised to continue its pursuit of cutting-edge solutions and drive digital transformation for its clients worldwide.
As the world rapidly embraces emerging technologies like custom AI chatbots and AI-powered chatbots, Accenture’s commitment to innovation and its ability to stay ahead of the curve will be crucial in shaping the future of various industries. Under Narain’s leadership, the company is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-evolving technological landscape.