Deloitte University EMEA: A world-class approach to developing tomorrow’s talent
Investing in our future leaders, today
A commitment to our people’s future. A cornerstone for our culture and values. A leader-led curriculum. These are some of the ingredients of Deloitte University EMEA Paris – our newly opened learning and development centre dedicated to developing tomorrow’s talent.
One of seven facilities around the globe, Deloitte University EMEA is a new state-of-the-art learning hub on the outskirts of Paris – more than half a decade in the making.
An investment in the future
Deloitte University EMEA is our award-winning, purpose-built facility dedicated to learning and development. The facility can host up to 500 delegates a day, offers 22,000 square metres of learning spaces and will see over 20,000 people benefitting from its curriculum every year.
Will Smith, NSE people and purpose leader says: “Having a dedicated space for high-quality learning is one of the most substantial investments we’ve made in the development of our people and fostering the next generation of leaders. But it’s also about the relationships that they form while at the university, building a lifelong network across borders and disciplines that enhances their engagement with our firm, and supports them in serving our clients.”
“Attracting and retaining talent is a business imperative for us. Having this home in EMEA adds significant value to our people’s experience at the firm.”
Hear more from Will Smith on this topic in this video from the Financial Times (from 09:50).
“A distinctive feature of Deloitte University EMEA is its leader-led approach. Senior leaders actively participate in the programmes, sharing their expertise and real-world experiences.”
Tom Declercq, Dean of Deloitte University EMEA
Learning for our people, by our people
Central to the university’s ethos is a theme of mentoring. Around 70% of the curriculum is delivered by, and connects our people to, our senior leaders.
Tom Declercq, Dean of Deloitte University EMEA, says: “Being a facilitator means you are a learner at the same time: you gain insight into how the next generations think, work and engage with their networks. Our facilitators get inspiration from these fresh ideas and become more agile as a leader in their own roles.
“This approach underscores the importance of continuous learning and sets a powerful example for all our employees. It ensures that the training is not only theoretically sound but also practically relevant, grounded in the realities of the business world.”
Like any university, Deloitte University EMEA has a faculty and specialist team, running residential learning programmes covering broad competencies, leadership development, professional skills, and industry programmes.
Many programmes combine intensive in-person learning at the university with virtual and on-demand components, balancing bringing people physically together for the moments that matter and making the most of what is possible remotely.
Stéphanie Grubb, a director in Global Employer Services in Belgium, is one of the Deloitte facilitators at the university. Having previously been a participant she was inspired to share her knowledge and experience with others.
Stéphanie says, “I’ve been at the firm for almost twenty years so being a facilitator allows me to share my experience and learnings, but I also have a passion for coaching so was keen to be involved.”
“I love how the university provides our colleagues a safe space to practice their skills with the freedom to hone their creativity in solving problems, to try new things and get constructive feedback. It’s fulfilling to see people grow and gain confidence first-hand.”
Sustainability at its core
Deloitte University EMEA’s journey began in 2013, based in an existing conference hotel near Brussels, Belgium. In June 2024, the new, bespoke facility opened near Paris with both learning spaces and 260 bedrooms for overnight accommodation.
“We set out to deliver an exceptional experience,” says Sunil Maganahalli, the university’s chief operating officer. “The new campus is designed to bring people together from across EMEA in an immersive learning environment.”
Sustainability was at the heart of the design process. The site was selected among 88 possible locations, benefiting from its proximity to the French capital and offering strong transportation links – including high-speed rail to enable more travel by train.
Sarrah El Fersaoui, part of the university’s strategy team, is bringing more sustainability practices inside the building, from the avoidance of packaging to the food consumed.
“The site was a disused field before, so a lot of work has been done to improve the environment for the wildlife that’s here,” she says.
The campus was constructed using renewable and low-carbon materials such as wood and recycled concrete. There are water and green spaces to encourage biodiversity, with a man-made lake introduced to collect rainwater that is used for internal plumbing, reducing the amount of processed water use. Hundreds of trees were planted, and houses installed for bats, birds, and amphibians. The building is powered by 100% renewable electricity, and 1,100 square metres of photovoltaic panels generate around 21,000 kWh of energy annually.
“Coming together across EMEA to build the university has been incredibly rewarding. It will help shape the future of our business and embodies our shared values – to come together and make an impact that matters on our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.”
David Noon, Chair of the Board overseeing the construction of Deloitte University EMEA
