Avanade names Chris Howarth CEO as Caserta joins Microsoft

Avanade has appointed Chris Howarth as Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership change at the Accenture and Microsoft joint venture.

Howarth succeeds Rodrigo Caserta, who is leaving Avanade after more than 11 years. Caserta will join Microsoft as Corporate Vice President, Small, Medium Enterprises & Channel (SME&C), Americas. He served as Avanade's CEO since 2024.

Howarth joined from Accenture, where he spent more than 28 years. Avanade said he has worked closely with the business for more than five years through leadership roles linked to the Accenture-Microsoft relationship.

Leadership transition

Manish Sharma, Chief Strategy and Services Officer at Accenture and Chair of the Board of Directors at Avanade, said the company selected Howarth for continuity across the partnership.

"Chris brings deep knowledge of Avanade, strong alignment across Accenture and Microsoft, and a proven record of leadership," said Manish Sharma, Chief Strategy and Services Officer, Accenture and Chair of the Board of Directors, Avanade. "His appointment ensures continuity in our strategy and momentum, while further strengthening Avanade's central role in the joint venture. We thank Rodrigo for more than a decade of extraordinary impact and look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role at Microsoft."

Avanade said Howarth will retain ownership of the overall Microsoft relationship. The company described its role as central to growth for both Accenture and Microsoft across customer segments.

The announcement positions the move as part of a broader effort to tighten coordination across the two parent companies. Avanade operates as a specialist services firm focused on Microsoft technologies.

Microsoft move

Caserta's next role at Microsoft places him in charge of a key route-to-market segment in the Americas. The SME and channel organisation covers sales and partner distribution into small and mid-sized businesses, alongside channel partners.

Avanade did not name an interim executive structure, and it did not disclose further changes to the leadership team.

Focus areas

Howarth described continuity with the existing leadership approach and said the company would focus on artificial intelligence in its work with customers and partners.

"I'm honored to join Avanade as CEO, building on the strong foundation Rodrigo and the leadership team have built," said Chris Howarth, Chief Executive Officer, Avanade. "Rodrigo's leadership has positioned Avanade for sustained momentum, and his move to Microsoft further strengthens our partnership. I'm excited to work with our people, clients, and partners at this pivotal moment, delivering on the huge potential of AI to drive transformation and accelerate value."

Avanade works with Microsoft tools and platforms across areas such as cloud, data analytics, cybersecurity and enterprise applications. It operates as a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft and has built its market position around services linked to Microsoft's product portfolio.

The company said it works with more than 7,000 clients worldwide. It also cited a long-running relationship with Microsoft dating back to 2000.

Avanade said it has received Microsoft's Global SI Partner of the Year Award 20 times jointly with Accenture. It described itself as Microsoft's "Client Zero", a term used in the industry for organisations that adopt and test technologies early.

Accenture reported a global workforce of about 784,000 people in the information provided alongside the announcement. The company positions its strategy around consulting, technology services and operations work across industries.

Howarth's appointment takes effect immediately, with Caserta set to move into his role at Microsoft as Avanade reshapes its executive leadership around the next stage of its partnership with Accenture and Microsoft.