Rich Berens

Before retiring from his duties as CEO and Chief Client Fanatic of Root, part of Accenture, in 2024, Rich has had the opportunity to lead Root and its artists, designers, researchers, programmers, and MBAs in creating breakthrough approaches to change that have reached millions of people around the world. Rich has personally worked with dozens of Global 2000 organizations, including Hilton, Verizon, Masco, Petco, Procter & Gamble, Daimler, United Rentals and many others to help align leaders and drive strategic and cultural change at scale.

Rich is a frequent author, thought leader, and speaker on the subject of purpose, strategy activation, transformation, and leadership. Rich’s has captured a lot of his learnings and insights in a McGraw Hill published book called What Are Your Blind Spots?, which he co-authored with Root’s founder, Jim Haudan. The book focuses on five key blind spots they have seen many leaders fall victim to that prevent them from leading their organizations and engaging their people effectively.

Under Rich’s leadership, Root has been listed among the Great Place to Work® Institute’s top 25 places to work numerous times, been named to the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies list, and experienced many years of consecutive growth. In 2021, Root joined Accenture to enhance its global footprint and capability and Rich led the integration of the firm doubling its revenue in the first two years.

Rich joined Root in 1997 after completing his MBA at the University of Michigan. He worked for Commerzbank in Germany and has lived abroad, both in Germany and Nigeria. He holds a BSBA degree from the University of Washington in St. Louis, where he was a three-time All-American tennis player.

Rich is currently an active seed investor and board advisor. He lives in Ann Arbor and Jupiter with his wife Anne and their dog Ollie and has two college age daughters in Katarina and Mia. In his spare time, Rich loves cheering on many of the Wolverines sports teams. He is also an avid reader, likes to travel and play golf, padel and tennis.