AI is eating consulting (ft. Accenture, IBM, Gartner, Genpact)

Across recent earnings calls, consulting giants managing $90 billion in revenue are confronting a fundamental shift: AI agents are automating work that traditionally required consulting expertise. The article examines statements from Accenture, IBM, and Genpact alongside Gartner's market analysis to reveal how autonomous systems are changing consulting economics.

The core issue is straightforward—AI agents can now perform routine consulting tasks that previously required human consultants. This affects everything from financial analysis to process optimization to data-driven recommendations. Rather than growth in traditional consulting hours, firms are adapting their business models around AI-augmented delivery.

For professionals in consulting and adjacent fields, this signals a real transformation. The question isn't whether AI agents will impact consulting work, but how quickly and where. The article uses concrete earnings data to show this isn't theoretical—it's already happening in how these firms structure their offerings and measure productivity.

This matters for anyone considering consulting services, working in consulting, or planning their career in advisory roles. Understanding how AI agents are reshaping the industry helps explain shifting market dynamics and the changing nature of professional advisory work.