Accenture's chief commercial officer has been selected for a new government role in the UK. The company's former UK head now works He replaces Chancellor Rachel Reeves as 'AI Champion' as the current government seeks to drive growth across the professional services sector.
Shaheen Saeed has held senior positions across Accenture for over 20 years. Having led the company's UK technology practice, she was appointed to lead the UK, Ireland and Africa operations in 2023, before being named global chief commercial officer for Reinvention Services this year. As the company continues to pivot around AI services, she will be responsible for streamlining how Accenture delivers AI-enabled solutions to meet clients' evolving needs.
Drawing on his experience in both roles, Mr Said was also announced as the UK Government's 'AI Champion'. As the professional and business services sector has long been a key partner in technology transformation across the economy, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves tasked Said with improving the implementation of AI in professional business services, one of the UK government's eight growth sectors.
Mr Reeves and the Labor government are very focused on AI, arguing that it is the key to restoring the UK's economic growth. It is believed that AI will cause a spike in productivity, thereby increasing tax revenues. Supporting the introduction of AI into the professional services sector is seen as essential to this, but Mr Said's position is reportedly not a paid role.
“As AI reshapes the global economy, we have a vital opportunity to build on this strength and position the UK as the world's most trusted advisor to global industry by 2035. That's why I'm delighted to take on the role of Government AI Champion for UK Professional Business. We need to use it in a variety of ways.” It delivers real results for everyone. ”
Said is also recognized as a thought leader on inclusive business culture and talent in the digital age. She is a guest lecturer on the London School of Economics Global Masters Programme, an Honorary Colonel in 3 Military Intelligence, a unit of the British Army, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
