Will Deloitte's EMEA Restructure Boost Sustainable Growth?

Deloitte is creating a new EMEA segment to coordinate operations across 16 member firms in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The move could show how professional services networks are restructuring to meet client demands for integrated delivery and technology investment.

The EMEA group will span more than 80 countries with 6,000 partners and 132,000 professionals.

According to Deloitte, the participating firms reported combined revenues of €20bn (US$23.3bn). Each firm will maintain responsibility for services in its own market.

Investment in technology capabilities

Joe Ucuzoglu, Deloitte Global CEO, says: "Today marks a historic moment for Deloitte. The EMEA region forms a critical component of the global economy – home to many of the world's most influential companies and a key market for multinationals headquartered around the globe."

The EMEA structure will support shared investment in innovation, technology and talent development across participating firms.

Across four years, Deloitte EMEA expects to deploy more than €1.5bn (US$1.7bn) of incremental investment.

The investment areas include gen AI, sovereign cloud capability and sector-specific solutions. The energy transition is among the areas where Deloitte has established regional investment initiatives in recent years.

These investments could mean the firm is positioning to support clients with sustainability and decarbonisation programmes that require cross-border expertise and technology integration.

Deloitte is driving meaningful progress within its own operations as the global economy progresses toward a low-carbon future.

The Deloitte Net-Zero Transition Plan sets out the steps being taken across the network to turn Deloitte's long-term net zero ambition into action.

Leading sustainability and net zero progress at Deloitte EMEA is Smruti Naik-Jones, previous Chief Sustainability Officer of Deloitte North and South Europe.

"On 1 June, we hit a new milestone coming together as Deloitte EMEA and an exciting new chapter for me as EMEA Chief Sustainability Officer," writes Smruti Naik-Jones, EMEA Chief Sustainability Officer, on LinkedIn.

"My priority for Deloitte EMEA is to play a leading role in helping drive this transition to a sustainable future.

"Deloitte net zero by 2040 commitment and global transition plan sets out the steps being taken across the network to turn Deloitte’s long-term net zero ambition into action."

Deloitte has committed to reaching net zero GHG emissions across its value chain by FY2040, as measured at the aggregate, network-wide level.

This commitment represents a 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by FY2040 from an FY2019 baseline.

Near-term targets include reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 70% by FY2030 from an FY2019 base year and reducing Scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel 55% per full-time equivalent employee by FY2030 from an FY2019 base year.

The long-term target is to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 90% by FY2040 from an FY2019 base year.

Sustainability leaders won’t want to miss Sustainability LIVE: The Leadership Summit at London Climate Action Week, taking place at Code Node on 25 June 2026.

Register now for this exclusive invite-only event. 

By FY2030, Deloitte aims to source 100% renewable electricity for its buildings and transition 100% of its fleet to electric vehicles.

"The shift toward a net-zero economy is a strategic priority as we mitigate future risks, meet the expectations of our stakeholders, and support the continued prosperity of the communities we serve," says Will Smith, Global Chief Purpose & Sustainability Officer at Deloitte.

"Deloitte is dedicated to playing a leading role in helping drive this transition to a sustainable future."

Leadership for the region

Richard Houston, who currently serves as CEO of Deloitte North and South Europe and Deloitte UK, will become CEO of Deloitte EMEA.

Volker Krug, who is currently CEO of Deloitte in Germany, will take on the position of Deputy CEO.

Sami Rahal, CEO of Deloitte Central Europe, will serve as Chair.

Liesbeth Mol, Chair of Deloitte North and South Europe, will act as Deputy Chair.

Richard says: "Deloitte EMEA uniquely strengthens our ability to invest at scale across borders to accelerate innovation in areas that matter most to our clients. It builds on our market-leading local partnerships while supporting collaboration at a regional level."

Deloitte traditionally operates as a network of national partnerships separately owned and managed by partners in each country.

That structure has come under strain from multinational clients expecting integrated cross-border services.

Volker adds: "Greater alignment within the EMEA region enables us to scale our capabilities, share expertise efficiently and deliver even more value for our clients, our people and the markets we serve."

Joe adds: "Our clients expect leading expertise wherever it is based, alongside seamless cross-border and technology-enabled delivery at speed. The creation of Deloitte EMEA will enhance our ability to deliver the very best capabilities to the world's leading companies."