Accenture names Debra Polishook CEO of Accenture Operations
Accenture has promoted Debra Polishook to Group Chief Executive of Accenture Operations, one of the firm’s five key businesses. Polishook replaces Michael Salvino, who leaves for new pastures from 1 September 2016.
Debra Polishook has been with Accenture since 1985, rising through the ranks to the role of Senior Managing Director and Group Operating Officer at Accenture Operations in 2010. Previously, Polishook was the Global Quality and Client Satisfaction Lead for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), and was earlier the lead for Accenture’s Business Support Services team. Prior to her role within the Outsourcing business, Polishook was the Managing Director of Accenture’s Media & Entertainment client portfolio.
Polishook holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Tulane University, and a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin.
Polishook’s promotion, effective from September 1, 2016, sees her head up one of Accenture’s five core business in the role of Group Chief Executive – Accenture Operations. Polishook will take responsibility of staff of more than 100,000 globally and $7 billion in annual net revenues. She will be tasked with further expanding on the businesses strategy, which she herself shaped as part of her previous role. Polishook follows up incumbent Michael Salvino, who will leave the firm to join Carrick Capital Partners. In addition, Polishook will take a position on Accenture’s Global Management Committee.
Pierre Nanterme, Accenture’s Chairman and CEO, says that he is “delighted” with Polishook ascension to the business’ top role. He adds “She is an outstanding leader with a proven track record of successfully running different parts of our business during her 30-year career with Accenture”. Commenting on her role, he says “She brings to her new role extensive knowledge of our consulting and business process services, and she was instrumental in shaping our strategy for Accenture Operations when we formed it two years ago. I look forward to working with Debbie as a key member of our senior leadership team as we continue to drive growth in this important part of our business”
Incumbent Salvino says that he is “incredibly proud” of what his team has achieved in building Accenture Operations into a market leading business. Salvino further adds “Debbie is the perfect choice to lead Accenture Operations. We have worked side by side for the last six years, and much of our success has been a direct result of her leadership. I am also delighted that Manish will be stepping up as group operating officer. I wish Debbie, Manish and the entire Accenture team continued success.”
Following the line of successions at Accenture Operations, Manish Sharma, currently a Senior Managing Director, will succeed Polishook as Group Operating Officer effective 1 September 2016.
