Accenture has released a report urging European firms to accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to close a widening productivity gap. Industry experts emphasize the urgency for companies to swiftly embrace generative AI to remain competitive. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel laureate often referred to as the 'Godfather of AI,' has expressed concern over the rapid development of AI and called for the appointment of a dedicated AI minister to regulate the technology. Canadian companies have also been noted for adopting AI at a slower pace compared to global counterparts. The discourse highlights the critical crossroads businesses face in integrating AI, particularly generative AI, into their operations to sustain growth and innovation.

Accenture reported third-quarter fiscal year 2025 earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, with revenue reaching $17.7 billion, up 8% year-over-year in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency, surpassing estimates of $17.3 billion. Earnings per share rose to $3.49, beating the anticipated $3.30. The company raised its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $12.77 to $12.89, up from the previous forecast of $12.55 to $12.79, and now expects full-year revenue growth of 6% to 7% in local currency.

Operating margin improved to 16.8%, an increase of 40 basis points from the prior year. However, new bookings declined by 6% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency to $19.7 billion, impacted by cancellations and delayed deal closures amid economic uncertainty and reduced U.S. government spending. Accenture highlighted $1.5 billion in new bookings related to generative AI services and announced an organizational restructuring to enhance its AI consulting capabilities under a new unit called Reinvention Services, led by Manish Sharma. Despite the strong financial results, Accenture's shares declined by up to 11% following the earnings release, reflecting investor concerns over the drop in bookings and cautious outlook on demand. The company’s free cash flow guidance was raised to a range of $9 billion to $9.7 billion. Industry analysts noted the ongoing demand slowdown in the global IT outsourcing market, particularly in India, where Accenture operates extensively.

Accenture has trained 500,000 employees to use generative artificial-intelligence tools as it races to meet soaring client demand for AI-related consulting services, Chief Executive Officer Julie Sweet told Bloomberg Television.

Sweet said the technology is already automating repetitive tasks, allowing consultants to focus on higher-value analysis and mentoring. “By being able to use some of the work that is pretty rote, we’re able to mentor our young leaders about the underlying content more,” she explained, adding that the firm is weaving generative AI into functions ranging from software development to human resources.

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Several Spanish companies are experiencing labor unrest as workers engage in strikes and mobilizations amid concerns over job security and working conditions. Accenture employees are participating in a partial strike until Friday. Workers at Duro Felguera have initiated mobilizations due to uncertainty about the company's future. At Freixenet, the workers' committee has extended a strike initially called in response to a redundancy plan (ERE) announced in April, which aimed to cut 24% of the workforce.

However, a preliminary agreement between Freixenet and the unions has reduced the planned layoffs from 180 to 154, with severance set at 50 days per year worked. Meanwhile, unions at Iberdrola have called for a strike involving over 9,000 workers across Spain, scheduled for Friday, demanding higher wages and reduced working hours. The strike actions are continuing into June, reflecting ongoing tensions between labor forces and management in these companies.

The United States Air Force Academy held its 2025 commencement ceremony on May 29 at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, commissioning 909 cadets as new officers. Of these, 93 graduates will join the Space Force, and nearly half are headed to pilot training. Fourteen international cadets were among those commissioned.

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink delivered his first major address as the service's top civilian, emphasizing the need for graduates to prepare for strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind outlined new training initiatives, such as field exercises on ground combat skills, to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape.

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David Droga, founder of Droga5 and current chief executive officer of Accenture Song, will step down from his role on September 1 after four years leading the tech-powered creative division of consulting giant Accenture. Following his departure as CEO, Droga will transition to the role of vice chair at Accenture. Ndidi Oteh, who presently leads Accenture Song's Americas business, will succeed him as CEO. Droga's decision marks a shift towards semi-retirement after a distinguished career in business and creative leadership.

Accenture Plc plans to promote approximately 50,000 employees worldwide in June, aiming to boost morale after a six-month delay caused by a decline in demand for consulting services. The promotions will be distributed across key regions, including 15,000 employees in India, 11,000 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and 10,000 across the Americas. This move follows a period of subdued demand in the consulting sector. In contrast, Deloitte UK is reportedly reducing some bonuses and promoting fewer staff after missing performance targets.

Accenture PLC has announced a salary increase ranging from 3% to 13% for employees at the Associate Manager level and above. This marks the first such hike in 2.5 years. The raise reflects the company's adjustment to compensation after a prolonged period without increases for these senior roles.

Accenture has released a report urging European firms to accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to close a widening productivity gap. Industry experts emphasize the urgency for companies to swiftly embrace generative AI to remain competitive. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel laureate often referred to as the 'Godfather of AI,' has expressed concern over the rapid development of AI and called for the appointment of a dedicated AI minister to regulate the technology. Canadian companies have also been noted for adopting AI at a slower pace compared to global counterparts. The discourse highlights the critical crossroads businesses face in integrating AI, particularly generative AI, into their operations to sustain growth and innovation.

Accenture reported third-quarter fiscal year 2025 earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, with revenue reaching $17.7 billion, up 8% year-over-year in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency, surpassing estimates of $17.3 billion. Earnings per share rose to $3.49, beating the anticipated $3.30. The company raised its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $12.77 to $12.89, up from the previous forecast of $12.55 to $12.79, and now expects full-year revenue growth of 6% to 7% in local currency.

Operating margin improved to 16.8%, an increase of 40 basis points from the prior year. However, new bookings declined by 6% in U.S. dollars and 7% in local currency to $19.7 billion, impacted by cancellations and delayed deal closures amid economic uncertainty and reduced U.S. government spending. Accenture highlighted $1.5 billion in new bookings related to generative AI services and announced an organizational restructuring to enhance its AI consulting capabilities under a new unit called Reinvention Services, led by Manish Sharma. Despite the strong financial results, Accenture's shares declined by up to 11% following the earnings release, reflecting investor concerns over the drop in bookings and cautious outlook on demand. The company’s free cash flow guidance was raised to a range of $9 billion to $9.7 billion. Industry analysts noted the ongoing demand slowdown in the global IT outsourcing market, particularly in India, where Accenture operates extensively.

Accenture has trained 500,000 employees to use generative artificial-intelligence tools as it races to meet soaring client demand for AI-related consulting services, Chief Executive Officer Julie Sweet told Bloomberg Television.

Sweet said the technology is already automating repetitive tasks, allowing consultants to focus on higher-value analysis and mentoring. “By being able to use some of the work that is pretty rote, we’re able to mentor our young leaders about the underlying content more,” she explained, adding that the firm is weaving generative AI into functions ranging from software development to human resources.

Read more

Several Spanish companies are experiencing labor unrest as workers engage in strikes and mobilizations amid concerns over job security and working conditions. Accenture employees are participating in a partial strike until Friday. Workers at Duro Felguera have initiated mobilizations due to uncertainty about the company's future. At Freixenet, the workers' committee has extended a strike initially called in response to a redundancy plan (ERE) announced in April, which aimed to cut 24% of the workforce.

However, a preliminary agreement between Freixenet and the unions has reduced the planned layoffs from 180 to 154, with severance set at 50 days per year worked. Meanwhile, unions at Iberdrola have called for a strike involving over 9,000 workers across Spain, scheduled for Friday, demanding higher wages and reduced working hours. The strike actions are continuing into June, reflecting ongoing tensions between labor forces and management in these companies.

The United States Air Force Academy held its 2025 commencement ceremony on May 29 at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, commissioning 909 cadets as new officers. Of these, 93 graduates will join the Space Force, and nearly half are headed to pilot training. Fourteen international cadets were among those commissioned.

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy E. Meink delivered his first major address as the service's top civilian, emphasizing the need for graduates to prepare for strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind outlined new training initiatives, such as field exercises on ground combat skills, to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape.

Read more

David Droga, founder of Droga5 and current chief executive officer of Accenture Song, will step down from his role on September 1 after four years leading the tech-powered creative division of consulting giant Accenture. Following his departure as CEO, Droga will transition to the role of vice chair at Accenture. Ndidi Oteh, who presently leads Accenture Song's Americas business, will succeed him as CEO. Droga's decision marks a shift towards semi-retirement after a distinguished career in business and creative leadership.

Accenture Plc plans to promote approximately 50,000 employees worldwide in June, aiming to boost morale after a six-month delay caused by a decline in demand for consulting services. The promotions will be distributed across key regions, including 15,000 employees in India, 11,000 in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and 10,000 across the Americas. This move follows a period of subdued demand in the consulting sector. In contrast, Deloitte UK is reportedly reducing some bonuses and promoting fewer staff after missing performance targets.

Accenture PLC has announced a salary increase ranging from 3% to 13% for employees at the Associate Manager level and above. This marks the first such hike in 2.5 years. The raise reflects the company's adjustment to compensation after a prolonged period without increases for these senior roles.