Manging director | Accenture
Francesca Gori
Manging director | Accenture
Team size: Approximately 50
What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, I have been deeply involved in several key projects that reflect both the breadth and complexity of our work at Accenture. Notably, I led and supported several important M&A transactions that spanned multiple jurisdictions, navigating diverse legal frameworks and collaborating across geographies to achieve seamless outcomes. In addition, I played a central role in significant regulatory reviews for new areas of business, particularly those involving emerging technologies, Data, and AI. These projects required a nuanced understanding of rapidly evolving regulations and a proactive approach to risk management. At Accenture, we are fortunate to partner with top clients across various industries, and I have had the opportunity to work on transactions that are truly reinventing how organizations operate. This has enabled me to contribute to transformative deals that not only advance our clients’ strategic goals, but also shape the future of the work itself. Continuous learning has always been a cornerstone of my professional philosophy. I am committed to staying at the forefront of legal developments, particularly in areas at the intersection of technology and law. I actively contribute to the legal community as a faculty member at Paris II Panthéon-Assas University in DIFC, where I teach Intellectual Property law to both LLM and LLB students. This teaching role not only enables me to share practical insights and foster the next generation of legal professionals but also enriches my own perspective by engaging with fresh ideas and diverse viewpoints from students across the region.
How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive work environment?
I am deeply passionate about Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) for equality in the workplace. As General Counsel for the Middle East at Accenture, I’ve worked to support our regional vision and drive meaningful change toward equality. I believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. Creating an inclusive environment is not a one-time effort, it’s a continuous commitment. I strive to ensure that every team member feels respected, heard, and empowered to contribute fully. By championing I&D, I aim to build a legal function that reflects the diverse world we serve and sets a standard for inclusive leadership across the organization.
What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?
To me, being a modern in-house counsel is about more than legal expertise. It’s about being adaptable, forward-thinking, and grounded in the values of the business. Change is constant. Whether it’s new technology, evolving regulations, or global uncertainty, we need to be ready to lead through it. I’ve always believed that there is no future without change, and that belief has shaped how I approach my role. Our legal team plays a key role in promoting corporate social responsibility. We review responsible business practices, especially when it comes to emerging technologies like GenAI. It’s not just about compliance. It’s about contributing to something bigger. In the end, I believe the most effective in-house counsel lead with integrity, stay curious, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. That’s how we stay relevant and make a meaningful difference.
Managing Director- Geographic Compliance & Corporate Middle East, Africa, ASIA PACIFIC, LATAM Legal Lead (Growth Markets) | Accenture
Managing director - legal lead for geographic compliance and corporate group in the growth markets –Asia Pacific, Africa Middle and Latin America. General counsel for the Middle East | Accenture
Managing director, Europe, Middle East and Africa lead for compliance, operations, regulatory and ethics | Accenture
Francesca Gori’s career at Accenture began in Italy in 2006 as employment law lead for Italy, Greece, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Then after expanding her responsibilities,...