Hot on the heels of WPP’s announcement to pull business out of Russia, consultancy agency Accenture has now put out a release on Friday afternoon revealing that it too would be discontinuing its business in Russia.
Accenture’s presence in Russia includes 2,300 employees. While Accenture does not have a presence in Ukraine, it does have Ukrainian employees around its network and has pledged to support them.
The release says:
“Accenture stands with the people of Ukraine and the governments, companies and individuals around the world calling for the immediate end to the unlawful and horrific attack on the people of Ukraine and their freedom. Therefore, Accenture is discontinuing our business in Russia. We thank our nearly 2,300 colleagues in Russia for their dedication and service to Accenture over the years.
We will be providing support to our Russian colleagues. While Accenture does not have a business in Ukraine, we will continue our efforts to help our Ukrainian colleagues working around the globe at Accenture and their extended families; we are providing telehealth for those in Ukraine, and helping resettle family members who leave Ukraine.
We are donating $5 million to nonprofit relief organizations working to help people in Ukraine and those who are being displaced into Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. We are also matching 100% of the donations from our people.”
Beginning with missile launches and tanks rolling relentlessly, Russia’s premeditated military action began in east Ukraine on February 24. This occurred after months of speculation about Russia’s intentions after it massed tens of thousands of troops on Ukraine’s border.
