Accenture Technology Ventures Names Cherine Chalaby to Head Its European Operations

Seasoned International Financial Services Executive Will Seek Investment Opportunities Across Europe’s Growing eEconomy

PALO ALTO, January 24, 2000 - Accenture Technology Ventures today named Cherine Chalaby managing partner, Europe, effective immediately.

In his new role, Mr. Chalaby is responsible for leading a pan-European team chartered with uncovering, evaluating, funding and managing the firm’s investment opportunities in Europe. Chalaby, based in London, will report to Jack Wilson, managing general partner, Accenture Technology Ventures.

As head of Accenture Technology Ventures European operations, Chalaby, 48, will establish relationships with eCommerce entrepreneurs, leading venture capital firms and investment banksand eCommerce providers, as well as with innovative companies in key markets throughout Europe, where the creation of eCommerce ventures and dot-com companies is accelerating.

"Europe is poised to become an eCommerce powerhouse and is already a hotbed for technology innovation, especially in the wireless area," Wilson said. "Cherine Chalaby’s international experience, impressive resume, and relationships in the financial world make him the ideal executive to lead Accenture Technology Ventures in Europe. I look forward to working with Cherine and his team to expand our presence in the European marketplace."

Chalaby joined Accenture in 1977. Most recently he was the firm’s managing partner, global capital markets with responsibility for managing key client relationships with securities firms, global banks, and exchanges.

While in this role, Chalaby was a member of the Global Financial Services Executive Committee and Management Council. Prior to this, he served as head of the firm’s Capital Markets business for the United Kingdom, Nordic countries, Ireland and South Africa, and directed client engagements in New York, Tokyo, Paris and Hong Kong.

"This is a great opportunity to help entrepreneurs build new companies that will transform entire industries and generate outstanding returns - to build Europe’s Silicon Valleys," said Chalaby. "Accenture Technology Ventures is well positioned to offer real-world experience and knowledge gained through more than 160 investments and alliances with dot-com companies."

"As it makes sense, we will also leverage Accenture’s deep industry and technology experience, plus its relationships with the world’s leading companies and dot-coms," he said.

Accenture Technology Ventures, a unit of Accenture, works with entrepreneurs to build companies that transform industries and generate superior economic returns. The unit provides a unique venture capital option that can help start-ups accelerate growth and market penetration. Based in Palo Alto, California, Accenture Technology Ventures expects to invest up to $1 billion globally over the next five years.

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Roxanne Taylor

+1 (917) 452 5106

roxanne.taylor@accenture.com