Global consulting firm Accenture is tapping a Toronto-based expert in blockchain technology to help lead its foray into that evolving part of the industry.

The firm announced Monday that Iliana Oris Valiente has been appointed managing director and global blockchain innovation lead for the company’s emerging technology group, effective immediately.

Based in Toronto, Oris Valiente will provide blockchain advisory services to the firm’s clients and is responsible for building cross-industry expertise in the technology. She also heads up Accenture’s blockchain practice in Canada.

Previously, Oris Valiente co-founded Deloitte’s blockchain app development team, known as Rubix. She is also chaired ColliderX, a non-profit blockchain research and development organization that she founded.

“Iliana is a trailblazer in the global blockchain community, with deep experience driving innovations and ground-breaking research. Her knowledge, leadership and ability to act as a conduit between the blockchain developer community and business will be a strong asset to our clients and leadership, as we help a range of industries leverage distributed ledger technology,” says Simon Whitehouse, senior managing director and head of Accenture’s global blockchain practice, in a statement.