Accenture has appointed Matt Prebble, a 25-year veteran of the company, to lead its operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Africa. Prebble previously led the Data & AI business for Accenture in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), where he grew the division to over 10,000 professionals. His appointment comes as Accenture undertakes a significant restructuring to focus on artificial intelligence-driven transformation services for its clients.
The move signals Accenture’s deepening commitment to AI as a core driver of business growth, both for itself and its clients. The company’s recent financial performance underscores this strategy, with CEO Julie Sweet attributing its 7% revenue growth in fiscal year 2025, reaching $69.7 billion, directly to increased client demand for AI implementation. Prebble’s extensive experience in building and leading AI-focused teams positions him to spearhead the company’s efforts in a region that includes the world’s third-largest AI market. He succeeds Shaheen Sayed, who has been appointed to the newly created global role of Chief Commercial Officer for Accenture’s Reinvention Services practice.
New Leadership for a Restructured Business
Matt Prebble’s promotion aligns with a broader organizational realignment at Accenture. In June 2025, the company consolidated several divisions, including Strategy, Consulting, Technology, and Operations, into a single business unit named Reinvention Services. This integrated unit, led by Manish Sharma, is designed to provide clients with comprehensive, AI-enabled solutions to transform their businesses.
Prebble’s career at Accenture has provided him with a diverse background well-suited to this new role. Over his 25 years with the company, he has held leadership positions in Strategy & Consulting for the UK and Ireland, the Products client group, and the retail practice. His most recent role involved advising board members and C-suite executives on implementing data, analytics, and AI technologies to fundamentally change their business processes and decision-making systems. “In an era of unprecedented disruption, the opportunity and responsibility to help our clients reinvent themselves through AI have never been more significant,” Prebble stated.
Strategic Focus on AI-Driven Growth
Accenture’s strategic pivot is heavily influenced by the demonstrable success of companies that have embraced AI. Research published by the firm in 2024 revealed that organizations with AI-led processes achieve 2.5 times higher revenue growth and 2.4 times greater productivity compared to their peers. The study also found that these leading companies are 3.3 times more successful at scaling their AI initiatives. The proportion of companies with fully modernized, AI-driven processes nearly doubled from 9% in 2023 to 16% in 2024, indicating a rapid acceleration in adoption.
The company is not only advising clients on AI but also investing heavily in its own capabilities. Accenture has expanded its AI workforce from 40,000 professionals in 2023 to 77,000 in 2025. This investment is part of a wider business optimization program expected to save over $1 billion, with the savings being reinvested into the business and employee upskilling. CEO Julie Sweet emphasized that upskilling the existing workforce is the primary strategy, though the company will part with employees for whom reskilling in AI is not a viable path.
The UK as a Global AI Hub
The region Prebble will now oversee is a critical market for artificial intelligence. The UK’s AI market was valued at £72.3 billion ($92 billion) in 2024, making it the third largest in the world, according to UK government figures. London, in particular, has established itself as the third-largest city globally for launching AI startups. This vibrant ecosystem of innovation and investment provides a significant opportunity for Accenture to expand its AI-focused services under Prebble’s leadership.
The company’s own research highlights the urgency felt by business leaders. The Accenture Technology Vision 2025 report found that 69% of executives believe AI necessitates a fundamental reinvention of how technology systems are designed, built, and operated. However, the research also points to the critical importance of trust, with 77% of executives stating that the benefits of AI are only achievable when built on a solid foundation of trust. A further 81% agree that a company’s trust strategy must evolve in tandem with its technology strategy.
Continuity and a New Global Role
Shaheen Sayed’s New Mandate
Shaheen Sayed, Prebble’s predecessor, transitions to a significant global role as the Chief Commercial Officer for the new Reinvention Services unit. In this capacity, Sayed will be responsible for integrating how Accenture delivers its AI-enabled solutions to clients worldwide. Her work will involve coordinating across the company’s various divisions to serve organizations undergoing large-scale transformation programs.
Continued UK Engagement
Despite her global responsibilities, Sayed will remain based in the UK and continue to engage with local clients, academic institutions, and government bodies. She will also maintain her advisory roles with the UK Government on technology and innovation and has recently joined the Government’s Women’s Business Council. This ensures a degree of continuity in Accenture’s engagement with key UK stakeholders. In a statement, Prebble thanked Sayed for her “exceptional leadership and dedication.”