“We are exiting employees we can’t...,” says Accenture CEO Julie Sweet as firm lays off over 11,000 workers

Accenture

Accenture has laid off more than 11,000 employees globally in the past three months, with CEO Julie Sweet confirming that the company is exiting roles that cannot be retrained for artificial intelligence. The move reflects a wider restructuring as the consulting giant repositions itself for an AI-first future.

Layoffs and workforce changes

Sweet told analysts during the company’s latest earnings call that reskilling was not a viable option for every role in its workforce. “We are exiting on a compressed timeline, people where reskilling, based on our experience, is not a viable path for the skills we need,” she said.

The layoffs have reduced Accenture’s global headcount to 779,000 at the end of August, down from 791,000 three months earlier. The process began earlier this year and is expected to continue until November 2025. The company projects that the restructuring, which includes severance costs, will generate savings of more than $1 billion.

AI investment and expansion

Even as it cuts jobs, Accenture is investing heavily in AI-related talent. The company said it has doubled its AI and data specialists to 77,000 since 2023 and has trained more than 550,000 employees in generative AI. CFO Angie Park described the current phase as “rapid talent rotation,” noting that cost savings from divestments and layoffs would be reinvested in employees and business growth.

Financial results

Accenture reported revenues of $17.6 billion for the June–August quarter of fiscal 2025, a 7% increase year-on-year, surpassing analyst estimates. Sweet said the results highlight the company’s “unique ability to deliver for clients as they seek our help to reinvent and lead with AI.”

Industry trend

The shift mirrors similar moves across the tech industry, with firms like Microsoft and Meta reducing traditional job roles while boosting AI teams. For employees in non-technical roles, the message is clear: adaptability to AI-driven skills will determine future career opportunities.

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