Atos appoints Accenture veteran Yves Bernaert as new CEO

Atos has appointed the Frenchman Yves Bernaert as its new global boss. The CEO has been tasked with leading Atos into its next chapter and successfully completing the forthcoming split with spin-off Eviden.

The 55-year-old Bernaert brings extensive experience in technology and consulting to Atos, all of which he gained at just two companies: Accenture (30+ years) and PwC (2 years). He succeeds Nourdine Bihmane.

Most recently, Bernaert was the European CEO for Accenture’s Technology business. During his nine-year tenure in the role, he led the division through consecutive years of double digit-digit growth by expanding its services in emerging digital technologies such as cloud, data, security, and artificial intelligence.

“I am delighted to be joining Atos. After more than three decades in the technology sector, I am well aware that Atos possesses strong assets, and I have great respect for the world-renowned skills of its teams. Atos has considerable technological capabilities and holds strong positions in many strategic areas,” Bernaert stated on his appointment.

Bernaert’s main initial task will be to complete the separation and transformation of Atos. In June last year, Atos announced it would split the company into two businesses of roughly the same size: Atos and Eviden.

The post carve-out Atos business will have a revenue of around €5.4 billion and comprise the core technology divisions, such as Data Centre and Hosting, Digital Workplace, Unified Communications and Business Process Outsourcing. Following the split, this business will kick off a large transformation plan aimed at modernising the company and restoring profitability.

The new Eviden business (revenue: €5.0 billion) will focus on professional services, and brings together the Digital, Big Data, and Security divisions of Atos. Eviden also includes the consulting business, formerly known as Atos Consulting (which was formed after Atos acquired KPMG Consulting in 2002 in the wake of the Enron scandal).

After Eviden formally launches, Bernaert will assume responsibility for leading Eviden.

“We are very pleased to welcome Yves as CEO. His personal and professional strengths, ability to lead teams through major transformations, in-depth knowledge of our industry make him the ideal leader to successfully complete the next stages of the group’s transformation plan,” said Bertrand Meunier, Chairman of Atos.

Alongside his role at Atos, Bernaert is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of 1001 Fontaines, a French non-profit that provides sustainable access to drinking water for vulnerable populations around the world.