In a recent development, Vodafone expressed its intention to create a strategic alliance with Accenture, documented by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This pair’s primary goal is to commercialise Vodafone’s shared operations, an initiative meant to push growth, improve customer service, and drive noteworthy efficiencies for Vodafone’s operating entities and partner markets. It also aims to offer new career paths for its workforce.
One crucial aspect of this partnership is enhancing Vodafone’s in-house IT and networking unit known as “Vodafone Intelligent Solutions” (VOIS). VOIS, with its vast network of over 31,000 employees worldwide, assists Vodafone’s operating units and service provider associates. To strengthen VOIS, Accenture’s digital solutions, platforms, and expertise, particularly in artificial intelligence, will come into play.
Accenture is also set to make a substantial financial investment in VOIS, amounting to €150 million. This partnership will give Accenture a stake in the business, of which the specifics remain undisclosed. However, control and majority ownership of the business unit will stay with Vodafone.
“This announcement is a noteworthy development for Vodafone as we simplify and transform the way we function to better cater to our customers and drive growth,” quoted Margherita Della Valle, Group CEO at Vodafone. Echoing this sentiment, Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, stated, “Vodafone’s move indicates their ambition to work in innovative ways, minimize structural complexity, pave the way for growth, create improved experiences for their customers and provide additional career paths for their employees.”
Press releases highlight that the partnership will utilize the brands, investments, scale, strengths, and expertise of both organisations. The end goal is to build a more resilient and efficient entity that can focus on areas such as customer service, simplification, and growth.
However, the actualization of this partnership hinges on the finalisation of conclusive agreements, which are slated to be completed by Spring of next year.
