Etheredge James O

About Etheredge James O

James O. Etheredge is an experienced U.S. executive in professional services and consulting, best known for serving as Chief Executive Officer — North America at Accenture plc from September 2019 through August 2023. Based in Atlanta, he later remained with the company as a special advisor until 2024, indicating a measured transition from executive leadership into advisory and governance-oriented responsibilities. His Accenture career reflects long internal progression and deep operational experience. Before becoming North America CEO, Etheredge served as senior managing director of Accenture’s US Southeast business, where he was responsible for operations across ten states, including strategically important markets such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C. Prior to that role, he led Accenture’s Products operating unit in North America and had been part of the region’s leadership team for nearly a decade. In his North America leadership role, he oversaw a large and complex portfolio spanning strategy and consulting, digital, technology, and operations, serving clients across multiple industries. Public reporting consistently highlights his ability to lead very large teams, manage business performance at scale, and execute growth strategies across a geographically broad and commercially important region. He is also associated with support for major technology priorities, including cloud and artificial intelligence adoption, reflecting the strategic focus of his tenure. In 2025, Etheredge joined the board of Southern Company as an independent director, further underscoring his governance profile and his value as a seasoned board-level executive with broad operating and leadership experience. His career trajectory shows a steady ascent from regional management to continent-wide executive leadership and then into advisory and board service, making him a notable figure in corporate governance and large-enterprise oversight.