Accenture is scrapping its global diversity and inclusion (DEI) goals, citing shifts in the U.S. political landscape, according to an internal memo from CEO Julie Sweet seen by Reuters.
The company will begin “sunsetting” DEI targets set in 2017, along with career development programs for specific demographic groups. This follows an evaluation of internal policies and compliance with recent U.S. executive orders.
Accenture joins Big Tech firms like Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon in rolling back DEI initiatives following Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency. Since taking office on Jan. 20, Trump has issued executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs across the public and private sectors.
As part of this shift, Accenture will no longer use DEI metrics to assess employee performance and will pause participation in external diversity benchmarking surveys. The company will also review its external partnerships related to DEI as it updates its talent strategy.
Accenture’s most recent report shows women comprise 48% of its workforce and hold 30% of managing director roles. The firm, which hires extensively from India, had also set race and ethnicity targets for the U.S. and UK in 2020.
The Financial Times first reported the development.
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