Former Accenture CEO Pierre Nanterme passes away, aged 59

Former Accenture chief executive officer Pierre Nanterme passed away on January 31, aged 59. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016. 

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” Marge Magner, non-executive chair of the board, said in a statement. “Pierre was an innovative and truly visionary leader who, above all, lived the company’s core values with a true passion for our people and an exceptional commitment to clients. He was an outstanding advocate for creating a culture of equality at Accenture. His energy, drive, and leadership will be sorely missed.” 

Nanterme had a 36-year career at Accenture, one of the world’s most renowned technology-driven professional services firms. He joined in 1983, made partner in 1993, and became CEO in 2011, after serving a number of positions within the company, including managing director of the financial services operating group for Europe, Africa, and Latin America, and Accenture’s national managing director of France. He assumed the additional chairman of the board in 2013, before stepping down from his positions on January 19 for health reasons.“It has been my honor and privilege to serve Accenture’s people and our clients for my entire 36-year career, and I’ve never been more confident in our business strategy, leadership team and people,” Nanterme said, at the time of his resignation. “This is the right decision for my family and me, so I can focus on my health.”

With Nanterme at the helm, Accenture enjoyed a growth 55% net revenue, from roughly $25 billion to more than $40 billion last year. During that time, the firm’s market cap increased from $70 billion to $108 billion, resulting in a 309% total return to shareholders.  

David Rowland, Accenture’s CFO, was named interim CEO. “Pierre was an iconic and exceptional leader, and an extraordinary individual in every way,” Rowland said, in an interview with tech publication CRN. “His innate drive to create value, and his vision to rotate our business to new growth areas, has left Accenture stronger for generations to come. He was deeply committed to our people and had infectious energy and humor – inspiring all of us to be curious, continuously learn and innovate. We are forever grateful to Pierre for the impact he made.” 

KC McClure, head of finance operations, will succeed Rowland as CFO. She has been with Accenture for more than 30 years.