Chris Howarth takes the helm of Avanade

Former CEO Rodrigo Caserta will transition to Microsoft

US-based Microsoft solutions provider Avanade has appointed Chris Howarth as its new CEO, effective 3 February.

He succeeds Rodrigo Caserta, who will step down from the role to join Microsoft as corporate VP of small, medium enterprises and channel (SME&C) for the Americas.

Howarth brings nearly three decades of experience at Accenture.

After joining the firm in 1997, he went on to hold various exec positions.

Most recently, he served as senior MD and global lead within the Accenture-Microsoft ecosystem.

In his new remit, he will aim to drive Avanade through its next phase of growth, building on the company’s foundation and strategic priorities.

He will also retain overall responsibility for the Microsoft relationship.

“I’m honoured to join Avanade as CEO, building on the strong foundation [Caserta] and the leadership team have built,” said Howarth.

“[Caserta]’s leadership has positioned Avanade for sustained momentum, and his move to Microsoft further strengthens our partnership.

“I’m excited to work with our people, clients, and partners at this pivotal moment, delivering on the huge potential of AI to drive transformation and accelerate value.”

Avanade was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Microsoft and Accenture, with the latter now being the majority owner.

The appointment marks the end of Caserta’s 11-year tenure.

He joined the organisation in 2015 as VP of sales and account relationships and assumed the CEO role in 2024.

Under his leadership, the company shifted its focus from enterprise to mid-market customers.

“We’re still a dual-channel business; we love working with Accenture on large transformations, but now we also have a strategy for working directly with Microsoft in the mid-market,” he previously told CRN.

Caserta himself succeeded Pamela Maynard, who transitioned to chief AI transformation officer for Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions (MCAPS).

The move comes at a transformative time for the business.

Last year, Avanade appointed a new executive committee to drive AI-led growth and expand its mid-market reach.

In December, the firm expanded into India to accelerate innovation, strengthen security resilience and support AI-driven growth in the local market.

The organisation’s UK arm ranks number 12 on CRN’s Top VARs list.