Founder and digital transformation leader will help Avanade and its clients move from AI adoption to realizing its full value
SEATTLE, 30 September – Avanade, the world’s leading Microsoft expert, today announces the appointment of Ben Beath as Chief AI Officer. Beath will lead Avanade’s AI strategy and help accelerate the practical adoption of AI across its own business and for its clients.
In his new role, Beath will focus on helping organizations 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.
Ben Beath, Chief AI Officer, Avanade, said: “The AI conversation continues to shift incredibly quickly and has moved past debate of whether or not to invest. Today’s topic centers around how organizations can realize 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.
“At Avanade, we need to lead through our 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. That’s how we can help turn AI investment into measurable business value.”
Chris Howarth, Chief Executive Officer, Avanade, said: “Ben has spent his career helping organizations embrace new technologies and translate innovation into business outcomes. His combination of entrepreneurial experience, deep understanding of AI and track record of leading transformation will be invaluable as we accelerate our own use of AI and help clients navigate this next phase of change.
“AI presents an enormous opportunity for organizations, but realizing 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, where he worked with enterprise clients to navigate the disruptive potential of AI and understand where it can materially change how they operate.
He joined Avanade following its acquisition of Loud&Clear, the digital agency he co-founded in 2009 and grew into Australia’s largest independent digital agency. The acquisition established Avanade’s first Digital Innovation Studio in Asia Pacific, which Beath subsequently expanded across Singapore, Japan and Brazil. 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, one of Australia’s largest community sports platforms.
Beath will help lead Avanade’s AI vision as the company continues to deepen its role within the Microsoft ecosystem and help organizations adopt AI at scale. Founded in 2000 by Accenture and Microsoft, Avanade operates across 26 countries with more than 60,000 professionals worldwide.
About Avanade
Avanade is the world’s leading Microsoft expert, helping more than 7,000 organizations modernize securely and scale AI using Microsoft technology, faster. Founded by Microsoft and Accenture, and operating as Microsoft’s Client Zero, Avanade brings deep expertise and proven delivery to simplify complexity, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable results.
Together with Accenture, Avanade combines global scale with expertise in AI, cloud, data, cybersecurity, and ERP to design solutions that put people first. With 60,000 Microsoft professionals worldwide, 165,000 certifications, and the largest community of Microsoft MVPs, Avanade has spent more than 25 years helping organizations unlock the full potential of people and technology to create lasting impact for clients, employees, and communities.
Do What Matters. Learn more at www.avanade.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
