Consultancy Accenture Song’s global lead Dame Annette King has stepped down from her position, ending her 35-year executive career.
She left the consultancy after a recent health experience but will continue as a non-executive director at Channel 4 and the chair of the Advertising Association.
King joined the consultancy in October 2023 after having been hired in April 2023.
She was awarded a damehood by King Charles in June 2023.
King said: “To those who know me, it’s no exaggeration to say that this industry has been one of my great loves. I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have been embraced by it and the many people who make it the wild and wonderful place that it is.
“I have seen and learned a lot over the past few decades and, after my time at Accenture Song, I can confidently say that we’re in for our most exciting chapter yet. I would have loved to continue leading the marketing practice, but a recent health experience has made it clear to me that it is time for a change, and so, while it has not been an easy decision, it is the right one.”
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Prior to joining Accenture Song, King was the chief executive of Publicis Groupe UK, where she was responsible for the group’s UK businesses including Publicis, Sapient, Zenith, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
She has also held positions at Ogilvy, including group chief executive of Ogilvy UK.
David Droga the CEO of Accenture Song said: “My professional affection and deep respect for Annette is no secret. She is as brilliant as she is lovely. And for the record, I was a fan long before the royal family.
“While her time at Song was shorter than we both would have liked, her impact has been vast and meaningful. The team she built and the confidence and calmness she instilled will echo for years.
He added: “But life has a funny way of resetting priorities, and I couldn’t be prouder of our relationship and her decision. We will be friends for life, and she will be a Song mentor in perpetuity.”
