Accenture strengthens public sector reach with Highlands Consulting
NEW YORK and CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Outsourcing giant Accenture has acquired The Highlands Consulting Group, a Sacramento-based management consulting firm known for its deep expertise in healthcare, transportation, social services and environmental solutions.
While specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, it strengthens Accenture’s public sector footprint in California and expands its organizational change management capabilities.
“Highlands Consulting’s strong relationships and credentials with state agencies will help us better serve our clients and unlock new opportunities for reinvention that drives growth and innovation,” said Ryan Oakes, global Health & Public Services industry practices chair at Accenture.
“We are confident this acquisition will deliver greater outcomes for our clients in the State of California and beyond.”
Highlands Consulting’s local expertise
Founded in 2002, The Highlands Consulting Group has built a reputation for helping California’s state agencies manage large-scale strategic and digital transformations. The firm specializes in strategic business and IT planning, process change, and organizational development. Its team of professionals brings decades of hands-on experience in delivering solutions across health and human services, transportation, and environmental initiatives.
“This deal is a natural fit for both organizations,” said Mike Cappelluti, president of Highlands Consulting.
“Accenture’s scale and resources will enable us to expand our services and capabilities, while our local expertise and long-standing client relationships will provide a solid foundation for Accenture’s growth in the State of California.”
Accenture’s global reach
Accenture is one of the world’s leading professional services companies, helping clients in both the private and public sectors drive digital transformation, optimize operations and enhance citizen services. Headquartered in Dublin, the firm employs approximately 791,000 people and serves clients in more than 120 countries.
With $17.7 billion in revenue last quarter., Accenture operates across multiple business lines including Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song. The acquisition of Highlands Consulting adds further depth to Accenture’s U.S. state and local government practice, reinforcing its ability to deliver digital, organizational and policy-driven change at scale.
After two years on top, Accenture dropped to rank #2 in the OA500 2025, an objective index of the world’s top 500 outsourcing companies.
