Be inspired and gain valuable insights from leaders across the Shared Services industry, as well as some of our very own Deloitte Experts.
- Day 1 - 6 October 2026
- Day 2 - 7 October 2026
-
Stijn Demeestere
Partner, Head of Employment Law Team, Deloitte Belgium
-
Annelies Verbruggen
Partner, Deloitte Belgium
-
Mathilde Goethals
Manager, Deloitte Belgium
- Create globally consistent service standards and operations: Can your in-house GCC consistently deliver scalable high quality service globally?
- Navigate rapid technological evolution: Does rapid technological disruption make maintaining cutting-edge in-house capabilities a strategic challenge or risk for your GCC?
- Address talent gaps strategically: Do you face a scarcity of talent or require vast, continuous upskilling within your in-house teams, making external support a more strategically viable path?
-
Stijn Demeestere
Partner, Head of Employment Law Team, Deloitte Belgium
-
Annelies Verbruggen
Partner, Deloitte Belgium
-
Mathilde Goethals
Manager, Deloitte Belgium
-
Nakul Retdhania
Associate Director, Deloitte UK
-
Pooja Bhosale
Associate Director, Deloitte UK
- Create globally consistent service standards and operations: Can your in-house GCC consistently deliver scalable high quality service globally?
- Navigate rapid technological evolution: Does rapid technological disruption make maintaining cutting-edge in-house capabilities a strategic challenge or risk for your GCC?
- Address talent gaps strategically: Do you face a scarcity of talent or require vast, continuous upskilling within your in-house teams, making external support a more strategically viable path?
Day 1
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Registration and breakfast
09:30 - 12:00 Lab 1: Building Your GBS: Strategic Foundations for Tomorrow's Challenges
For organisations at the beginning of their GBS journey, establishing a strong foundation is paramount. The GBS landscape is evolving rapidly with changing market demands and new technologies. This presents both immense opportunities and complex initial decisions, requiring foresight and clarity. This lab is specifically designed for GBS newcomers, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating these critical early stages. We will focus on the basics, equipping you with the essential knowledge to make informed decisions about your GBS journey. We will address the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when integrating functions into a GBS model from the outset, ensuring your GBS strategy can be tailored to maximise value.
Join us for an interactive lab that will provide you with the essential toolkit of practical frameworks, proven methodologies and critical insights to confidently set up and grow your GBS, laying a strategic foundation that not only generates value today but also is resilient and adaptable for tomorrow.
Speaker
09:30 - 12:00 Lab 2: Elevating GBS Leadership: Influence, Innovation, Impact (AM only)
The expectations placed on GBS leaders are intensifying, demanding more than operational mastery. Success now hinges on a forward-thinking vision, an agile mindset and the strategic acumen to transform disruption into opportunity.
This lab is designed for seasoned and aspiring GBS leaders ready to elevate their influence and drive significant enterprise value. We will move beyond traditional frameworks, discovering advanced strategies for innovation, digital integration and sustained impact. Attendees will explore the critical capabilities needed to reshape perceptions of GBS, ensuring it is recognised as a vital value driver and leveraged as a strategic partner for broader organisational change. Crucially, the session will also highlight the paramount role of leaders in guiding ambitious transformations and ensuring effective execution, empowering GBS to not only adapt but proactively define its future.
Join Iris Yates (Finance Transformation Partner) and Bart Moen (Human Capital Partner) to redefine your leadership narrative and confidently steer your GBS organisation towards its next phase of growth and impact.
Speakers
09:30 - 12:00 Lab 3: The Human Core of GBS: Guiding Your Teams Through GBS Transformation
GBS transformations promise efficiency and savings, but how do we successfully manage the most critical component: the people experiencing and driving the change?
This session confronts the often-uncomfortable truths of GBS transformations, diving deep into the critical human capital considerations that can truly make or break your organisation. We'll explore strategies for ensuring effective communication and engagement with all stakeholders across diverse international contexts as well as approaches for retaining critical talent. We will discuss how you can navigate consultation across multiple countries without grinding your project to a halt. We will show how you can promote a positive transition experience for employees and keep teams motivated even as roles evolve or new structures emerge. And crucially, how do you cultivate a high-performing GBS team that genuinely understands the cultural nuances, local regulations and diverse needs of the global entities it serves?
Join Stijn Demeestere (Deloitte Legal Partner) and Annelies Verbruggen (Deloitte Human Capital Partner) as they draw upon extensive, hands-on experience in GBS implementations across Europe. They will share real-world strategies, robust frameworks and invaluable lessons from the front lines of large-scale transitions. This isn't about theoretical models; it's about providing actionable insights to safeguard your most valuable asset - your people.
Speakers
09:30 - 12:00 Lab 4: Navigating Uncertainty: Designing a resilient GBS
Geopolitical disruption and shifting global trade tariffs have fundamentally reshaped the risk landscape for GBS. In this new reality, cost efficiency is no longer sufficient - radical resilience is the mandate. Designing a GBS model that can absorb modern shocks requires more than contingency plans; it necessitates a 'Business Continuity‑by‑Design', with risk assessment engineered into every layer of the operating model and location strategy.
Join us for this lab focused on the architecture of resilience to address the most pressing continuity challenges facing GBS and enterprise leaders today. We will explore how to move beyond static risk assessments, to identify vulnerabilities in existing footprints and incorporate geopolitical “risk-weighting” into new location studies. Together, we will navigate critical design choices - including transitioning from single-site models to regional Hub-and-Spoke structures-and discuss how to leverage automation as a buffer against capacity loss. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on insights into managing the full lifecycle of a crisis: from immediate response and triage to rebuilding a “New Normal” that emerges stronger from disruption. You’ll walk away with the frameworks and strategic foresight to transform your GBS into a resilient engine capable of delivering value, no matter the global climate.
Speakers
09:30 - 12:00 Lab 5: The Power of GBS, ERP and AI: Maximising Enterprise Synergies
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations are increasingly turning to GBS and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to optimise operations and gain a strategic edge. This lab will explore how the strategic alignment and powerful intersection of GBS and ERP systems, further amplified by intelligent technologies like AI, can unlock significant enterprise value and foster a more agile, efficient and resilient organisation.
The session will delve into the compelling case for change, highlighting how GBS organisations can serve as powerful enablers of successful, business-led ERP transformation journeys. We will examine the critical importance of aligning GBS operating model projects with ERP implementation to drive efficiency, scalability and tangible value realisation, demonstrating how AI can optimise and further amplify this value across the enterprise.
Attendees will gain invaluable insights into how a balanced approach to transformation and organisational centralisation can optimise both risk and reward. We will showcase how the combined power of GBS, ERP and AI delivers measurable impact, supported by real-life examples that illustrate practical application and significant results.
Expect to take away actionable strategies to help you navigate complex ERP transformation journeys, strengthen GBS's pivotal role in your organisation and leverage integrated GBS, ERP and AI efforts to achieve long-term success and competitive differentiation.
Speakers
09:30 - 12:00 Lab 6: Multidimensional workforces: Outsourcing for strategic advantage
With the demand to deliver more with less in today’s rapidly changing business environment, organisations may be rethinking their sourcing strategies. Moving past traditional outsourcing, they are embracing multidimensional workforce models that help to orchestrate intelligent operations - combining human judgment, digital capabilities and innovative ways of working to drive transformation beyond cost efficiency.
Step into the future of GBS sourcing strategy in this practical lab session. Deloitte leaders deep-dive into how to build a multidimensional workforce to position your organisation for strategic advantage. The interactive session explores the different opportunities and challenges of blending the strengths of in-house Global Capability Centres (GCC) and Operate services with disruptive AI and Agentic technologies across your core business functions.
This popular session isn’t just a discussion. Collaborate with and hear from peers, map out strategies tailored to your organisation’s distinct needs and explore real-life scenarios that demonstrate how to:
Speaker
13:00 - 15:30 Lab 1: Building Your GBS: Strategic Foundations for Tomorrow's Challenges
For organisations at the beginning of their GBS journey, establishing a strong foundation is paramount. The GBS landscape is evolving rapidly with changing market demands and new technologies. This presents both immense opportunities and complex initial decisions, requiring foresight and clarity. This lab is specifically designed for GBS newcomers, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating these critical early stages. We will focus on the basics, equipping you with the essential knowledge to make informed decisions about your GBS journey. We will address the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when integrating functions into a GBS model from the outset, ensuring your GBS strategy can be tailored to maximise value.
Join us for an interactive lab that will provide you with the essential toolkit of practical frameworks, proven methodologies and critical insights to confidently set up and grow your GBS, laying a strategic foundation that not only generates value today but also is resilient and adaptable for tomorrow.
Speaker
13:00 - 15:30 Lab 3: The Human Core of GBS: Guiding Your Teams Through GBS Transformation
GBS transformations promise efficiency and savings, but how do we successfully manage the most critical component: the people experiencing and driving the change?
This session confronts the often-uncomfortable truths of GBS transformations, diving deep into the critical human capital considerations that can truly make or break your organisation. We'll explore strategies for ensuring effective communication and engagement with all stakeholders across diverse international contexts as well as approaches for retaining critical talent. We will discuss how you can navigate consultation across multiple countries without grinding your project to a halt. We will show how you can promote a positive transition experience for employees and keep teams motivated even as roles evolve or new structures emerge. And crucially, how do you cultivate a high-performing GBS team that genuinely understands the cultural nuances, local regulations and diverse needs of the global entities it serves?
Join Stijn Demeestere (Deloitte Legal Partner) and Annelies Verbruggen (Deloitte Human Capital Partner) as they draw upon extensive, hands-on experience in GBS implementations across Europe. They will share real-world strategies, robust frameworks and invaluable lessons from the front lines of large-scale transitions. This isn't about theoretical models; it's about providing actionable insights to safeguard your most valuable asset - your people.
Speakers
13:30 - 16:00 Lab 4: Navigating Uncertainty: Designing a resilient GBS
Geopolitical disruption and shifting global trade tariffs have fundamentally reshaped the risk landscape for GBS. In this new reality, cost efficiency is no longer sufficient - radical resilience is the mandate. Designing a GBS model that can absorb modern shocks requires more than contingency plans; it necessitates a 'Business Continuity‑by‑Design', with risk assessment engineered into every layer of the operating model and location strategy.
Join us for this lab focused on the architecture of resilience to address the most pressing continuity challenges facing GBS and enterprise leaders today. We will explore how to move beyond static risk assessments, to identify vulnerabilities in existing footprints and incorporate geopolitical “risk-weighting” into new location studies. Together, we will navigate critical design choices - including transitioning from single-site models to regional Hub-and-Spoke structures-and discuss how to leverage automation as a buffer against capacity loss. Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on insights into managing the full lifecycle of a crisis: from immediate response and triage to rebuilding a “New Normal” that emerges stronger from disruption. You’ll walk away with the frameworks and strategic foresight to transform your GBS into a resilient engine capable of delivering value, no matter the global climate.
Speakers
13:30 - 16:00 Lab 5: The Power of GBS, ERP and AI: Maximising Enterprise Synergies
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations are increasingly turning to GBS and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to optimise operations and gain a strategic edge. This lab will explore how the strategic alignment and powerful intersection of GBS and ERP systems, further amplified by intelligent technologies like AI, can unlock significant enterprise value and foster a more agile, efficient and resilient organisation.
The session will delve into the compelling case for change, highlighting how GBS organisations can serve as powerful enablers of successful, business-led ERP transformation journeys. We will examine the critical importance of aligning GBS operating model projects with ERP implementation to drive efficiency, scalability and tangible value realisation, demonstrating how AI can optimise and further amplify this value across the enterprise.
Attendees will gain invaluable insights into how a balanced approach to transformation and organisational centralisation can optimise both risk and reward. We will showcase how the combined power of GBS, ERP and AI delivers measurable impact, supported by real-life examples that illustrate practical application and significant results.
Expect to take away actionable strategies to help you navigate complex ERP transformation journeys, strengthen GBS's pivotal role in your organisation and leverage integrated GBS, ERP and AI efforts to achieve long-term success and competitive differentiation.
Speakers
14:00 - 16:30 Lab 6: Multidimensional workforces: Outsourcing for strategic advantage
With the demand to deliver more with less in today’s rapidly changing business environment, organisations may be rethinking their sourcing strategies. Moving past traditional outsourcing, they are embracing multidimensional workforce models that help to orchestrate intelligent operations - combining human judgment, digital capabilities and innovative ways of working to drive transformation beyond cost efficiency.
Step into the future of GBS sourcing strategy in this practical lab session. Deloitte leaders deep-dive into how to build a multidimensional workforce to position your organisation for strategic advantage. The interactive session explores the different opportunities and challenges of blending the strengths of in-house Global Capability Centres (GCC) and Operate services with disruptive AI and Agentic technologies across your core business functions.
This popular session isn’t just a discussion. Collaborate with and hear from peers, map out strategies tailored to your organisation’s distinct needs and explore real-life scenarios that demonstrate how to:
Speaker
14:00 - 16:30 Lab 7: The Digital Catalyst: Accelerating Value in Public Sector GBS (PM only)
Achieving lasting impact in the public sector demands more than operational efficiency; it requires agility, innovation and a strategic focus on value creation. This lab is designed to empower public sector entities to transform and unlock significant value within their organisations through Shared Services. We will explore how public sector organisations can become 'Digital Catalysts', strategically leveraging GBS/Shared Service capabilities to streamline processes, drive a service mindset, and cultivate a highly skilled, adaptable workforce empowered to drive digital transformation, fostering operational excellence to elevate citizen-centric services.
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the unique barriers public sector organisations face in aligning technological advancements with workforce upskilling and operational flexibility. You will gain actionable insights to unlock sustained GBS, ensuring your organisation is not just efficient, but truly impactful and future-ready through data-driven insights and ecosystem collaboration.
Speaker
17:00 - 18:30 - Sponsor drinks
19:00 - 22:30 - Royal Museum at Fine Arts of Belgium Evening Event
Day 2
Wednesday, 7 October 2026
08:15 - 08:40 - Coffee and breakfast
09:00 - 09:30 Opening Plenary - Dorthe Harding Keilberg & Joris van Malderen, Deloitte
Welcome to Brussels, a strategic hub for business excellence, as it proudly hosts the 29th Shared Services Conference!
Dorthe Keilberg, Conference Chair, and Joris Van Malderen, Country Host, will kick off Day 2 of the conference, offering invaluable insights as to how GBS is fuelling significant growth and empowering organisations to progress beyond traditional boundaries.
Speakers
09:30 - 10:00 Juan Carlos Parada, Unilever
Intelligent GBS: Unilever’s AI-powered operations engine for growth
As AI reshapes the future of enterprise operations, GBS has a unique opportunity to move beyond efficient service delivery and become a true catalyst for business impact. At Unilever, Intelligent GBS is being built as an AI-powered operations engine - helping the business run better today while designing simpler, faster and more effective ways of working for tomorrow.
Join Juan Carlos Parada, Chief Global Business Services Officer at Unilever, as he shares how GBS is being reimagined for the AI era. The session will explore how outcome-led value streams, business process intelligence and AI-enabled capabilities are helping Unilever move from shared services to intelligent operations - and what it takes to turn technology potential into lasting enterprise impact.
Speaker
10:00 - 10:30 Air-Commodore Marijke van der Krogt, Royal Netherlands Air Force
Shared Services, Shared Problems, Shared Solutions: The Smart Approach of the HR SSC for the Dutch Armed Forces regarding Existing IT
In a world where digital transformation shapes the future of society and ever-increasing digital demands present new challenges, many organisations struggle with the task of modernising both front line and back-office services on existing IT platforms. Join Air-Commodore Marijke van der Krogt, Commander of the Division of Human Resources at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, as she shares her division's inspiring and transformative journey - navigating the gap between contemporary expectations and technological capabilities, whilst creating positive societal impact through innovative service delivery and a commitment to excellence. She will reveal how her team is pioneering clever workarounds and personalised experiences, strengthening and upscaling their shared service function and evolving from traditional back-office roles to become trusted advisors with real vision. Discover practical strategies for driving significant and lasting change, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and redefining your organisation’s value to communities, even without large investments in AI or state-of-the-art technology stacks. This session offers a vital perspective for organisations seeking to achieve impactful change despite resource and technological constraints.
Speaker
10:30 - 11:10 - Break
11:10 - 11:40 Jules Smeets & Lisa Beverloo, ASML
Session details coming soon.
11:10 - 11:40Inger Nordqvist, Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA)
From SAP Transformation to Business Impact: The Journey to Finance Excellence
What began as an SAP-driven transformation has evolved into a Finance Shared Services organisation defined by disciplined delivery, strong governance and measurable efficiency gains that create everyday business value. SCA Business Services ensures reliable, compliant and cost-effective finance operations while enabling business performance and strategic decision-making.
More than the outcome of transformation, Business Services is a key accelerator of it. Through harmonisation, digitalisation and data-driven ways of working - supported by the successful implementation of a common ERP platform - SCA Business Services has standardised processes, strengthened internal control and reduced complexity across the organisation.
By combining operational excellence with continuous improvement, SCA improves efficiency, enhances reporting quality and safeguards regulatory compliance. Discover how SCA with a Customer First mindset, Business Services Excellence and a strong Winning Team, delivers scalable, future-ready finance operations that support sustainable and profitable long-term success.
Speaker
11:10 - 11:40 Dr. Lars Najda, Schaeffler
Challenge Accepted: How Schaeffler Turns AI Ambition into Action
As Artificial Intelligence transitions from isolated experiments to enterprise-wide adoption, organisations face the critical challenge of scaling its impact across all functions. Join Dr. Lars Najda, Head of GBS at Schaeffler, as he unveils their groundbreaking “Admin AI Factory”, a cross-functional engine designed to industrialise AI at scale, not as a standalone initiative, but as an integrated value driver spanning Finance, HR, Logistics, Sales and IT.
Discover how Schaeffler is forging a single operating model, bringing business and IT together through unified governance, robust portfolio management and a standardised technology platform. With over 80 use cases already in delivery or pipeline, the focus extends beyond innovation to proving tangible value and significant cost efficiency.
This session will also delve into the less visible, yet crucial, aspect of this transformation: preparing and reshaping the workforce. Explore how Schaeffler is redefining job profiles, managing change, addressing talent concerns and seamlessly integrating AI into daily operations, with early impact assessments already guiding workforce evolution and SG&A efficiency. Discover how these efforts, combined with sophisticated governance mechanisms such as an AI control tower ensuring human oversight and responsible adoption, are building a future-proof organisation through integration and synergy, positioning Schaeffler's GBS transformation as a catalyst for enterprise growth and innovation.
Speaker
11:50 - 12:20 Gábor Illés & Katerina Santoro, Syngenta Services
Transforming at Scale: How Syngenta Delivered S/4HANA Across 80 Entities
In an era where large-scale ERP transformations are notorious for delays and budget overruns, many organisations struggle with the complexity of implementing change across dozens of entities while maintaining business continuity. Join Gábor Illés, Head of Finance Operations Europe, and Katerina Santoro, Finance Process & Technology Lead Europe, as they share Syngenta's remarkable journey - successfully delivering S/4HANA transformation on original deadline, across 80 entities throughout Europe. Discover how Syngenta defied conventional wisdom by rejecting the “big-bang” approach in favour of a phased, smaller-portion methodology. Learn how they cascaded from global strategy to regional execution, established robust programme governance, and navigated the challenges of coordinating across diverse geographies and business units. This session reveals the practical enablers, critical success factors, and lessons learned that allowed Syngenta to achieve what many thought impossible – demonstrating that scale can become your advantage, not your obstacle.
Speakers
11:50 - 12:20 HR Panel Discussion
Embark on a journey with John Baddeley, Human Capital Partner at Deloitte, and an insightful panel comprised of industry leaders. Our esteemed HR panellists will share valuable insights into the pivotal moments that have shaped their careers and the impactful initiatives delivered by their organisations. We will then discuss the top priorities within their organisations today and how they as leaders are driving positive change and innovation. Lastly, we will explore upcoming market trends including; disruptive technology, talent management and skills for the future.
Speaker
Panellists to be announced soon.
11:50 - 12:20 Mervi Hämäläinen & Taru Karppi, UPM
From Siloed Services to an Integrated Value Hub
Transforming a GBS organisation from fragmented service functions into an integrated value hub requires more than new technology, it demands a fundamental shift in how shared services create enterprise value. Join Taru and Mervi from UPM as they share how UPM evolved from managing isolated services into a unified, synergy-driven hub designed to future-proof the enterprise. Over the past three years, UPM consolidated Finance, HR, IT and expanding services into a single operating model. What started as a platform implementation became a catalyst for unlocking enterprise-wide synergies. By bringing multiple functions into the same environment, UPM discovered compounding value that wouldn't exist in isolation: shared infrastructure, integrated workflows and the foundation for real business impact. The real transformation happened when UPM shifted focus from operational efficiency to business value creation.
Discover how UPM is building a future-proof organisation through integration and synergy, and how the next chapter of GBS transformation positions shared services as a catalyst for enterprise growth and innovation.
Speakers
12:30 - 13:40 - Lunch
13:40 - 14:10 Robert Hankey & Andreas Hey, Deloitte
Reimagining the GBS Operating Model with AI: A Value Engineering Perspective
As AI and digital technologies reshape the business landscape, GBS leaders face not only new opportunities, but also the challenge of closing the gap between transformation ambition and tangible results. This interactive session explores how GBS can move beyond vision to execution - becoming a true catalyst for enterprise-wide value.
We will examine how traditional GBS principles - right-sizing, right-shoring and operational efficiency - remain essential, but are being redefined by digital-first approaches. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for bridging the transformation gap, highlighting the importance of aligning capacity, capability and capital, and considering a spectrum of transformation models.
Participants will gain actionable insights into how structured assessment and intentional action can help overcome barriers, accelerate outcomes and ensure GBS remains central to the organisation’s future success. The session will feature real-world examples, peer benchmarks and interactive polling to stimulate debate and share perspectives.
Speakers
13:40 - 14:10 Eamon Boland & Bilal Samad, Novartis
From Shared Services to a Value-Engine Network
Novartis’ shared services journey has been a decade-long shift from footprint optimisation to building an enterprise capability network - and we’re still evolving. We’ll explore what has changed in governance, capabilities and workforce strategy, as expectations have shifted from ‘efficient delivery’ to ‘outcomes, innovation and talent at scale’. We’ll also be candid about what didn’t work - missteps, change fatigue and the realities of transformation pace - and how we course-corrected.
Finally, we look ahead to the next chapter: how AI is reshaping operating models, roles and skills, and what it takes to bridge the transformation gap between ambition and execution.
Speakers
13:40 - 14:10 Speaker to be announced soon
Session details coming soon.
14:30 - 15:15 Panel Discussion: Can GBS Lead Enterprise Transformation?
For years, GBS organisations have focused on scale, control, and operational excellence. Today, many organisations are exploring a broader role for GBS in enabling enterprise transformation, digital innovation, and AI adoption. Yet the reality across organisations is far from consistent. In many cases, the mandate to drive transformation remains unclear.
During this panel we will discuss whether GBS has truly earned the right to lead enterprise change or whether that mandate still sits elsewhere. We will examine whether GBS organisations are built for optimisation more than transformation, and what adaptations to operating models, processes and governance are needed to shift that balance. We will assess talent and capability: do GBS teams have the skills, leadership and change capabilities required for the next era of digitalisation and AI adoption? We will also consider whether transformation requires a fundamental mindset shift, and if such cultural change can be realised within existing GBS structures.
This panel will examine whether GBS is truly positioned to lead transformation and what mindset, talent and leadership shifts are required to make that possible.
Panellists coming soon.
Host
Panellists
15:15 - 15:45 Ahmed Ismail, Sanofi
From Support Function to Business Catalyst: Sanofi's GBS Transformation
Transforming a GBS organisation into a strategic business catalyst involves more than just process redesign; it requires a core shift in identity, culture and purpose. Join Ahmed Ismail, Head of Europe Hubs at Sanofi, as he shares how one of pharma's fastest-growing GBS operations evolved from a traditional support role (back-office) into a high-impact global partner, driving enterprise transformation and supporting the company's mission to deliver cures to patients worldwide.
Over the past three years, Sanofi has significantly invested in helping every GBS team member understand the purpose of their work and its direct impact on patient outcomes. The focus has shifted from transactional tasks, KPIs and ticket closure to becoming a strategic business enabler and growth driver. This large-scale cultural shift has positioned GBS as a leader rather than a follower. Ahmed will highlight tangible successes: onboarding 1,010 colleagues in a single year at Budapest Hub, including highly complex and specialised roles; expanding one of the organisation’s fastest-growing talent platforms through employee referrals (29%, far above market average); and attracting over 22,000 applications through employer branding efforts. These achievements result from employees becoming ambassadors when they grasp the business’s importance, the organisation's scope and their role within it.
Learn how Sanofi aligned its global GBS strategy with local implementation: by transforming organisational culture on a large scale, competing for top-tier talent in challenging markets and evolving shared services into a key driver of business growth. Gain practical frameworks and valuable lessons for organisations undergoing similar transformations.
Speaker
15:55 - 16:35 - Break
16:35 - 17:05 Michele Gellatly, Scania Group
HR at the Forefront: How Scania P&C (HR) is Spearheading its Global GBS Transformation
In today’s evolving GBS landscape, leadership agility and innovative approaches are critical to driving successful transformation. Join Michele Gellatly, who is leading Scania’s global HR GBS transformation from Australia. Despite being thousands of miles from the Swedish headquarters, Michele demonstrates that effective leadership transcends geography. Scania, a traditionally decentralised automotive manufacturer, chose HR to pioneer its GBS transformation journey. Michele’s team rapidly established and scaled Scania’s first inhouse GBS delivery hubs, servicing over 60,000 employees worldwide.
This session will explore how Scania achieved their targets through a transition strategy based on frequent incremental releases of HR services, an approach that enabled quick wins and sustainable growth. Michele will share insights on the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a large-scale SSC transformation remotely. Discover how distance from HQ has posed challenges, but also helped Michele create speed and momentum. If you are involved in GBS transformation or leadership, this session offers valuable lessons on driving change, scaling delivery models and redefining leadership in a global, distributed environment.
Speaker
17:05 - 17:35 Anindya Sunder Das, Uber
From Tool Selection to Organisational Redesign: How AI Becomes the Centre of Gravity
Transforming an organisation around AI requires more than vendor evaluation and tool adoption; it demands a fundamental reimagining of how work, processes and people interact. Join Anindya Sundar Das, Head of Global Service Design at Uber, as he shares how the company is navigating one of the most consequential shifts in modern business: placing AI at the centre of organisational design, rather than at the periphery.
For decades, business processes have been architected around human capability and organisational structure. Uber's AI-led transformation inverts this logic: processes are now being redesigned with AI as the central operating principle, with people and workflows organised around it. This isn't incremental optimisation - it's a wholesale reimagining of the future workforce. The intersection is clear: next-generation workforce strategy and AI strategy are inseparable. To be AI-led is to undergo massive transformation.
Discover how Uber is redefining the relationship between AI, process design and human capability and gain practical insights into managing organisational culture and workforce strategy during fundamental technological transformation.
Speaker
17:35 - 17:45 Close
As Day 2 of the Shared Services conference draws to a close, join us for a final session to recap the key themes and insights discussed.