February
Westpac works with Accenture to deploy AI agents
The bank has already used agentic AI to assist its engineers move code to new cloud-based systems. Triaging mortgage applications could follow.
KPMG pulls DEI reports from website after Trump pressure
The big four firm in the United States has become the latest government contractor to ditch DEI targets.
Forget DEI, McKinsey says ‘diverse meritocracy’ is its workplace goal
The consultancy has long been a big advocate of formal diversity goals. But it has never put in targets or quotas, and has an “aspiration” of gender parity.
Accenture to end DEI policies to comply with Trump
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet advises staff of a global evolution as the consulting giant abandons DEI programs in response to President Donald Trump’s orders.
January
Why co-working operators love the weak office market
US real estate firm Pembroke is opening its first co-working hub and others are expanding, tapping demand from tenants reticent to sign long-term leases.
Trump uses New Orleans attack to push security and border agenda
The incident and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas have fuelled Republican narratives that crime is out of control.
December 2024
What Defence spent on consultants could run submarine fleet for a year
What would Defence’s $811 million in spending on the big five consulting firms in 2022-23 buy? Turns out the answer is quite a lot.
November 2024
Investors cheer TechnologyOne’s earnings surprise
Shares in the Brisbane-based enterprise software firm soared on evidence a new sales model and UK growth were helping it take on giants like SAP.
Accenture readies Future Made in Australia ad blitz
The advertising agency that sells lamb on Australia Day will now sell the government’s Future Made in Australia package.
Labor cuts spending on major consulting firms by $891m over two years
The value of Commonwealth work outsourced to Accenture, Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PWC is down to $1.5 billion since Labor took power in mid-2022.
October 2024
These new ‘AI agents’ could change white-collar workforce
A “groundbreaking” development means bots can now work computers like a human, leading people to question whether office workers could be replaced.
ASX drops 1pc; Bad news for your super; The cost of being Young Rich
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Start-up deploys AI to slash consultant costs
A company launched by Accenture’s former head of generative AI uses the tools to streamline costly early legwork by consultants.
September 2024
Why becoming a chief of staff is good for your career
Three top executives who took on the role early in their careers say the position was a springboard to far bigger jobs.
ASX breaks record; Pager bombs ‘were Mossad’; Macquarie’s big bets
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
Accenture to defer most MD promotions by six months
Technology consulting firm Accenture is planning to push back the bulk of its managing director promotions in the latest sign of a prolonged slump in the industry.
Accenture denied suppression order amid open justice debate
Justice Scott Goodman criticised the consulting firm’s “all or nothing” stance, following recent criticism of “a culture of secrecy” in litigation.
August 2024
This Australian creative is taking the top job at global firm Droga5
Mark Green co-founded The Monkeys 18 years ago, selling it in 2017. Now he’s moving to New York to take over as chief executive of the advertising giant.
This Aussie unicorn is paying millions for a chief AI officer. Should you?
SafetyCulture is on the hunt for its first AI boss as companies scramble to find executives to help unlock billions of value from the hot technology.
July 2024
Consultants face decade-low growth slump
Annual growth in the sector is forecast to fall to its lowest level – apart from the short-lived pandemic slump – since 2015.