Avanade has signalled that AI has become a core business and transformation priority with the appointment of its AI acceleration lead Ben Beath to the role of chief AI officer.
Beath has been with Avanade since 2018 and not only served as the AI acceleration lead but was also co-lead of its AI transformation office.
In his new role, Beath will focus on helping organisations embed AI technology into how they operate and create value.
He will also drive AI fluency and capability across Avanade, accelerating the use of intelligent tools and agentic systems across its teams and service delivery.
“The AI conversation continues to shift incredibly quickly and has moved past debate of whether or not to invest,” said Beath. “Today’s topic centers around how organizations can realise the full value of that investment.
“Key differentiation is being delivered by those that are moving past tools and rethinking how work gets done, how decisions are made, and how they serve their customers.
For Avanade that means leading through its own use of AI.
“My focus is on learning what delivers results in our business and bringing that experience to clients as they navigate their own transformation,” he explained.
“That’s how we can help turn AI investment into measurable business value.”
That’s his combination of entrepreneurial experience, deep understanding of AI and track record of leading transformation will be invaluable in helping clients navigate this next phase of change, said Avanade CEO Chris Howarth.
“Ben has spent his career helping organisations embrace new technologies and translate innovation into business outcomes,” he said. “AI presents an enormous opportunity for organisations but realising that potential requires more than technology alone.
“Ben will play an important role in helping Avanade and our clients adopt AI at scale, responsibly and with confidence.”
Beath has been with Avanade since 2018, most recently serving as AI Acceleration Lead and co-lead of its AI Transformation Office. He worked with enterprise clients to navigate the disruptive potential of AI and understand where it can materially change how they operate.
The Australian joined Avanade following its acquisition of Loud&Clear, a digital agency he co-founded in 2009 and grew into a large independent digital agency locally.
In 2022, he relocated to New York to lead Avanade’s Digital Experiences business across the Northeast before moving into his AI-focused leadership roles.
Alongside Loud&Clear, Beath has co-founded five startups, including PlayHQ, an Australian community sports platform.