Avanade, the leading Microsoft solutions provider, today announced that Karthik Narain, Accenture’s Group Chief Executive – Technology, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. Karthik succeeds Emma McGuigan, Accenture’s Global Lead – Enterprise & Industry Technologies, who is leaving the Avanade Board after four years in the role.

“We’re thrilled that Karthik is joining the Avanade Board of Directors. His vast experience in cloud and Data and AI will be invaluable in helping drive our next growth phase as we work with our clients to understand and navigate this next wave of digital disruption,” said Avanade chief executive officer Pam Maynard. “I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to Emma for the huge contribution she’s made to Avanade and myself, personally, over the last four years.”

Commenting on his appointment, Karthik Narain said: “I’m excited to be taking the baton from Emma and stepping into the role of Avanade Board Chair. With so much accelerated change taking place right now, and Avanade’s great team and unrivalled leadership in the Microsoft space, we are well positioned to help our clients use cloud, data and AI to transform their businesses.”

Karthik joined Accenture in 2015 and currently serves as group chief executive of Technology. He previously led Accenture Cloud First and was responsible for the company’s Data and AI business and growth strategy. In these roles, he led teams from across Accenture’s services to help clients move, shape and operate their businesses in the cloud and unlock the power of data and AI for enterprise reinvention. He oversees Accenture capabilities, acquisitions, talent, investments and ecosystem partnerships in public and hybrid cloud, data & AI and software engineering. Karthik is also a member of Accenture’s Global Management Committee.

Avanade Appoints Karthik Narain, Accenture’s Group Chief Executive – Technology as Chair of its Board of Directors