New York (April 12, 2004) -- Accenture has named long-time partner and chief operating officer for client services William D. Green to succeed Joe W. Forehand as chief executive officer.
The news comes just weeks after the company announced that Forehand would relinquish his CEO post in September but would stay on as chairman. Forehand, 55, has served as CEO since November of 1999. He led the firm through its transition from Andersen Consulting to Accenture following its August 2000 divorce from Arthur Andersen and Andersen Worldwide, and saw it through its initial public offering in 2001.
As COO for client services, which is part of the Office of the CEO, Green has overall management responsibility for the company’s operating groups. He has served as a member of the board of directors since its inception in 2001 and has served as country managing director for the U. S. since August 2000.
“Bill has distinguished himself as a true leader whose knowledge of our business, tireless work ethic, commitment to our people and their development, and demonstrated ability to forge major client relationships make him the clear choice for CEO,” Forehand said. “As chairman, I look forward to working closely with Bill in taking Accenture into the future.”
Green joined Accenture in 1977 and became a partner in 1986. He served as group chief executive of Accenture’s communications and high tech operating group from 1999 to 2003. Prior to that, he served as group chief executive of Accenture’s resources operating group for two years, leader of the firm's manufacturing industry group, and managing partner for Accenture’s practice in New England.
-- WebCPA staff
