At CES 2025, held in Las Vegas, Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet delivered a keynote address that set the tone for the future of technology and innovation. Speaking to a packed audience at the Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom, Sweet presented a vision of how AI, data and technological integration can tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Her address showcased not only the capabilities of AI but also its potential to transform industries, empower individuals and drive meaningful change.
AI: A Force for Transformation
Sweet began her address by positioning AI as more than just a technological advancement. She described it as a revolutionary force capable of driving change across diverse sectors of the economy, from healthcare and finance to sustainability and education. Sweet underscored that AI is a key enabler for innovation, not merely a tool for streamlining operations.
Citing examples from Accenture’s recent projects, Sweet illustrated how AI has been deployed to improve medical diagnoses, optimize supply chains and reduce carbon footprints. In one example, she detailed how a healthcare client used AI-driven analytics to enhance patient outcomes by identifying treatment inefficiencies. In another, she described how AI-powered predictive modeling helped a global retailer achieve unprecedented supply chain resilience during a time of market volatility.
Her message was clear: AI is not just about what businesses can accomplish—it’s about what they should accomplish to build a better world.
The Power of Data
Sweet emphasized the pivotal role of data in this transformation. She noted that data, when harnessed effectively, can unlock actionable insights that drive smarter decisions and more personalized customer experiences. However, she cautioned that merely collecting data is not enough; the real value lies in the ability to analyze, interpret and act upon it.
“Data is the currency of the digital economy,” Sweet declared. “But like any currency, its value depends on how it is used. Companies that learn to turn data into decisions will lead the next wave of innovation.”
Accenture, she explained, has invested heavily in developing tools and AI frameworks, their AI Refinery, to help organizations maximize the potential of their data. Sweet highlighted several case studies where businesses used Accenture’s AI Refinery “agents” to anticipate customer needs, reduce operational waste and achieve measurable sustainability goals.
Redefining Work in the Digital Era
As the world continues to navigate post-pandemic realities, Sweet stressed the need for companies to reimagine how they work. Hybrid and remote work models, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, are no longer temporary measures but permanent shifts in workplace culture. Sweet spoke passionately about the opportunity these shifts present for innovation, inclusivity and employee well-being.
“Work has become an experience, not just a place,” Sweet said. “Technology has given us the tools to rethink how we collaborate, how we learn and how we lead.”
She detailed how Accenture has embraced this change, investing in virtual collaboration tools, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and prioritizing employee wellness. She also touched on the importance of reskilling the workforce to prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist, driven by advancements in AI and automation.
Sustainability: Innovation with Purpose
A key theme of Sweet’s keynote was the intersection of technology and sustainability. She described how Accenture has committed to integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations and client solutions.
For instance, Sweet shared the story of a partnership with a global logistics company to use AI and machine learning to optimize delivery routes. The initiative not only reduced fuel consumption but also cut emissions, demonstrating how technology can achieve both business and environmental goals.
Sweet’s discussion extended to the circular economy, where businesses can leverage AI to reduce waste and reuse materials, creating systems that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible. “Sustainability isn’t a challenge—it’s an opportunity for innovation,” Sweet remarked..
Ethics in AI
While championing the benefits of AI, Sweet did not shy away from discussing the ethical dilemmas it presents. She stressed the importance of creating a governance framework to ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly. Sweet identified several key areas for focus, including:
- Bias Mitigation: Ensuring AI systems are designed to eliminate bias in decision-making processes.
- Transparency: Building AI solutions that are explainable and understandable to both users and regulators.
- Privacy Protection: Safeguarding sensitive data from misuse while maintaining trust with consumers.
“Trust is the foundation of innovation,” Sweet declared. “Without it, technology cannot achieve its full potential.”
She urged industry leaders to collaborate on creating global standards for ethical AI development, ensuring that the technology benefits everyone, not just a select few.
Accenture’s Innovation Playbook
Throughout the keynote, Sweet provided a behind-the-scenes look at Accenture’s approach to innovation. She outlined three core principles that guide the company’s work:
- Client-Centric Solutions: Partnering closely with businesses to understand their unique challenges and design tailored solutions.
- Continuous Learning: Investing in research and development to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies.
- Scaling Impact: Ensuring that innovations are not only effective but scalable, so they can drive widespread transformation.
Sweet also shared an update on Accenture’s AI Innovation Lab, a hub for experimenting with next-generation AI technologies. She highlighted how the lab is fostering partnerships with startups, universities and industry leaders to accelerate breakthroughs.
A Vision for the Future
Closing her keynote, Sweet left the audience with a powerful call to action. She challenged business leaders to embrace technology not as a means to an end but as a tool to create a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future.
“The choices we make today will define the world we live in tomorrow,” Sweet concluded. “Let’s make those choices count.”
The Big Picture
Julie Sweet’s keynote at CES 2025 was more than just a presentation; it was a roadmap for how AI will transform the future. By framing AI technology not just for corporate use but also as a force for good in general, Sweet offered a vision that extends beyond profit margins and market share. Her emphasis on a human-centric approach was a welcome break from talks of automation and robots. Sweet explained that technological progress need not come at the expense of societal well-being.
For attendees and viewers worldwide, Sweet’s message was clear: AI is here and the future belongs to those who are bold enough to reimagine what’s possible with it. At a time when the world faces unprecedented challenges, her keynote was a timely reminder of the power of human ingenuity and technological innovation to create a brighter tomorrow.
Julie Sweet
Julie Sweet is the Chair and CEO of Accenture, a global professional services company specializing in consulting, technology, and outsourcing. Known for her visionary leadership, Sweet has been a driving force behind Accenture’s efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, into business strategies. Under her guidance, Accenture has prioritized innovation, sustainability, and ethical technology deployment, making it a leader in driving digital transformation across industries. Sweet’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and advancing corporate responsibility has earned her recognition as one of the world’s most influential business leaders.
Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company that provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing solutions to help organizations optimize their performance and navigate complex challenges. With operations in more than 120 countries, Accenture serves clients across industries, from finance and healthcare to energy and retail. The company is renowned for its expertise in emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and blockchain, which it leverages to deliver tailored solutions.
