Accenture Names Julie Spellman Sweet As New North American CEO

In its second North American top leadership shuffle in a year, Accenture has named company Legal and Compliance Leader Julie Spellman Sweet as its new group chief executive for North America.

The appointment is effective June 1, 2015.

Sweet has been with the company since 2010, most recently as general counsel, secretary and chief compliance officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading the company's business in the region, as well as remaining on Accenture's Global Management Committee.

[Related: Accenture CEO: Watch Out Traditional IT Companies, We're Gaining Market Share]

"Since joining Accenture in 2010, Julie has distinguished herself as a key member of our senior leadership team," global Chairman and CEO Pierre Nanterme said in a statement Monday. "She has made a significant contribution to our business strategy and our investment strategy, as well as to our Capital Committee, and has demonstrated a strong commitment to our clients and our people. Julie brings to her new role a wide breadth of international experience from her more than 20 years as a business leader and a practice builder."

The appointment comes as Accenture is looking to accelerate its push into digital technologies, a market that has been growing for the company at strong, double-digit rates for the past four years, according to Nanterme in the company's most recent earnings call. Nanterme said that push would help differentiate the company from its competitors and push it "ahead of the curve."

Sweet replaces longtime company executive Stephen J. Rohleder, who was appointed the newly created position just under one year ago. Rohleder is anticipated to retire from the company on Aug. 31. Prior to taking on the CEO role on May 8 of last year, Rohleder served as COO for five years.

"I want to thank Steve for his significant contributions to Accenture during his 34 years with our company," Nanterme said in a statement. "Steve has devoted his career to exceptional client service and has been a senior leader in our organization for many years...Over the years, I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Steve, and I wish him all the best in the future."

Alongside Sweet's appointment, Accenture also named replacements for her former roles in Chad Jerdee as general counsel and chief compliance officer, and Joel Unruch as corporate secretary. After serving as deputy general counsel for sales and delivery, 18-year company executive Jerdee will now be responsible for serving as principal council for senior leadership and directors. Unruch's most recent role was as associate general counsel for M&A, Governance and Corporate Matters. He will now be responsible for managing Accenture's legal and regulatory compliance programs.

PUBLISHED MAY 4, 2015