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Bill Morris, president of Accenture's business in Canada, has been awarded the 2017 Inclusion Vanguard Award by Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100.

The award recognizes an individual, male or female, who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to a broader diversity agenda within their organization. Morris was selected for his role as a champion for change; for making a profound and measurable impact; and for bettering the experience of employees, clients and the broader community.

"I am pleased to receive this award that recognizes Accenture's commitment to diversity from the top level, because inclusion and diversity are key drivers for innovation in both our own business and in our clients' businesses," said Morris. "We will continue to drive forward with our initiatives, including our goal to reach gender parity by 2025, creating a work environment where everyone feels that they belong and can deliver real value."

In keeping with Accenture's goal to have women represent 40 percent of Accenture's leadership by 2025, Morris recently oversaw the positioning of three women as senior leaders in key areas of Accenture's business: Jodie Wallis, chosen to lead Accenture's Artificial Intelligence practice; Iliana Oris Valiente, hired to lead Blockchain Innovation globally; and Natalie Heisler, hired to lead Accenture's Analytics practice in Canada.

Under Morris's leadership in Canada, Accenture has made great strides in fostering diversity within the organization. His leadership team has set diversity targets, by year and by business unit, for which they are accountable. Morris co-chairs the Canadian Diversity Council (CDC) with Claudia Thompson, managing director who leads the company's Health & Public Service practice and Accenture's lead for Inclusion and Diversity in Canada. Thomson was named to Canada'sMost Powerful Women: Top 100 last year. The CDC consists of senior Accenture leaders who strive to drive inclusion and diversity through Accenture's ranks by modelling inclusive behavior, setting diversity targets, and holding each other accountable.

Accenture's 2017 #GettingToEqual research, published on International Women's Day, shows that if women increase their technology immersion and digital fluency, the gender pay gap in developed markets could close by 2044—36 years ahead of current predictions. Accenture has also been recognized on Pride at Work Canada's LGBT Workplace Inclusion Index for three consecutive years. The company also has committed to spend $100 million with women-owned businesses during the next three years, with a special focus on female entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Throughout his tenure at Accenture, Morris has actively promoted Accenture's belief that rich diversity makes the company stronger, smarter and more innovative, which helps it better serve clients and the community.

Under Morris's direction, Accenture is creating skills-based programs to empower diverse communities across Canada. Accenture's partnerships with organizations such as Ladies Learning Code will continue empowering women and youth to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Accenture's Skills to Succeed initiative will equip 3 million people with the skills they need to secure a job or build a business by the end of fiscal 2020.  Accenture supports more than 70 charities through Skills to Succeed in Canada, and hires skilled new Canadians through ACCES Employment and through Npower, the latter of which provides training for careers in information technology to military veterans and young adults from under-served communities.  

To view the original press release, please click here.

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