Last updated:
Accenture has made regular use of internal AI tools a key factor in the promotion of leaders, signaling a shift to AI-driven performance reviews.
Accenture logo (Photo: PTI)
Global consulting giant Accenture has made the regular use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools a key factor in leadership advancement, signaling a deeper organizational push to embed AI into daily work processes as companies accelerate digital transformation.
The Financial Times reported that associate directors and senior managers at the company were told that promotion to leadership roles required “regular implementation” of the company’s AI tools.
An Accenture spokesperson confirmed the development to CNBC, saying the report is accurate and consistent with the company’s broader strategic direction.
“Our strategy is to be our customers’ preferred reinvention partner and the most customer-centric, AI-powered place to work,” a spokesperson said.
“To serve our clients most effectively, we need to implement the latest tools and technology,” the spokesperson added.
The spokesperson also confirmed that this requirement was outlined in an internal email to employees.
According to the Financial Times, the communication states that “the use of our core tools will provide a visible input into talent discussions,” indicating that the involvement of AI will have a direct impact on promotion consideration.
The report notes that the policy does not apply uniformly to all regions.
Employees in 12 European countries and those working in departments that handle U.S. government contracts will reportedly not be affected by the requirement.
Accenture CEO encourages use of AI
The company’s internal push towards AI adoption comes alongside remarks from Accenture Chairman and CEO Julie Sweet, who, speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighted the growing importance of AI integration across the economy and education system.
Praising India’s approach to early AI education, Sweet said, “Education is no longer a destination. We need lifelong learning. India has done a great job of incorporating AI into the education system from elementary school, and governments around the world will need to do the same.”
He pointed out that Accenture employs over 350,000 people in India and operates one of the world’s largest AI talent pools integrated with global hubs across the US, Europe, Middle East and Japan.
“At Accenture, we are extremely proud to have over 350,000 reinventors here in India and continue to grow,” she said, highlighting India’s central role in the company’s global AI strategy.
Addressing concerns that the introduction of AI could lead to large-scale job losses, Sweet drew parallels with earlier technology shifts, including robotic process automation.
“Companies and countries thrive when they adopt new technologies and use them to increase growth and productivity,” she said.
Referring to previous waves of automation, she added that thousands of roles were automated while ultimately expanding the industry and creating new job opportunities.
“We used RPA to automate thousands of jobs and create even more jobs,” she said.
Sweet emphasized that entry-level adoption remains important despite the AI-driven transformation.
“Entry-level jobs make economic sense; they are the only way to produce future leaders, and they give each of our organizations the talent they truly need for AI,” she said, adding that Accenture plans to hire more entry-level employees this year than last year.
Access, partnerships and global standards
The Accenture CEO also emphasized the need to ensure equitable access to AI technologies, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for around half of the world’s GDP and the majority of jobs in the Global South.
“We must be committed to providing small businesses with access to technology and talent,” Sweet said, adding that public-private partnerships are essential to expanding access.
He called the AI transition an “unprecedented” phase of reinvention and called on businesses and governments to invest in reskilling their workforces and support global standards governing the safety and deployment of AI.
“Technology, no matter how powerful, is just a tool,” Sweet said, emphasizing that leaders’ decisions will ultimately determine how AI shapes the future of work.
February 20, 2026, 14:35 IST
read more
