London: Global professional services firm Deloitte has appointed Smruti Naik-Jones as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) for its newly established Deloitte Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to advancing its climate and sustainability agenda across one of its largest operating regions.
The appointment comes as Deloitte officially launches its new EMEA business structure, bringing together 16 participating firms operating across more than 80 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The move is designed to strengthen collaboration, improve strategic alignment, and enhance Deloitte’s ability to serve clients across the region at greater scale.
Deloitte EMEA Launches as Major Regional Business
First announced in February 2026, Deloitte EMEA represents one of the firm’s most significant organizational transformations in recent years.
The newly integrated regional business includes:
- More than 80 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
- Approximately 6,000 partners
- Around 132,000 professionals
- Combined annual revenues of €20 billion
The structure is intended to enhance regional coordination while enabling participating firms to collaborate more effectively on complex business challenges, including sustainability, climate risk, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance.
Sustainability Veteran Takes on Expanded Leadership Role
Naik-Jones assumes the role after spending nearly two decades with Deloitte.
Most recently, she served as the first Chief Sustainability Officer for Deloitte UK and North and South Europe, where she led sustainability strategy and climate initiatives across multiple markets.
During her tenure, she played a key role in advancing Deloitte’s WorldClimate programme, the firm’s global sustainability strategy focused on reducing emissions, accelerating progress toward net-zero goals, and embedding sustainability across business operations.
Her experience spans corporate sustainability, climate strategy, ESG integration, and organizational transformation.
Driving Deloitte’s Sustainability Ambitions Across EMEA
As Chief Sustainability Officer for Deloitte EMEA, Naik-Jones will be responsible for leading the organization’s sustainability strategy and supporting its climate transformation journey across the region.
Her responsibilities will include:
- Advancing Deloitte’s sustainability commitments
- Supporting climate action and decarbonization initiatives
- Driving ESG integration across operations
- Strengthening sustainability governance frameworks
- Accelerating progress toward environmental targets
- Supporting long-term sustainable business transformation
The appointment reflects the growing importance of sustainability leadership within multinational organizations as businesses face increasing pressure from investors, regulators, clients, and stakeholders to demonstrate measurable progress on climate and ESG commitments.
Sustainability Becomes a Strategic Business Priority
Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, organizations are navigating an increasingly complex sustainability landscape shaped by evolving regulations, climate disclosure requirements, and net-zero commitments.
Professional services firms are playing an increasingly important role in helping businesses manage sustainability risks, comply with reporting standards, and identify opportunities linked to the low-carbon transition.
Industry experts note that sustainability leadership positions are becoming critical as companies seek to integrate environmental and social considerations into long-term business strategy.
The appointment of a dedicated Chief Sustainability Officer at the regional level signals Deloitte’s intention to place sustainability at the center of its future growth and transformation agenda.
Focus on Climate Transition and Long-Term Value Creation
Commenting on her appointment, Naik-Jones emphasized the importance of accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable future across the EMEA region.
Her leadership is expected to support Deloitte’s efforts to strengthen sustainability performance while helping the organization contribute to broader climate and environmental goals.
As sustainability becomes a key driver of competitiveness and resilience, companies are increasingly investing in leadership roles focused on climate action, ESG performance, and responsible business practices.
Outlook
The appointment of Smruti Naik-Jones as Chief Sustainability Officer marks an important milestone for Deloitte’s newly launched EMEA business.
With sustainability becoming a strategic priority for organizations across industries, her experience in climate leadership, ESG strategy, and organizational transformation is expected to play a key role in guiding Deloitte’s sustainability ambitions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
As regulatory expectations continue to evolve and businesses accelerate their climate commitments, strong sustainability leadership is likely to remain a critical factor shaping corporate strategy and long-term value creation.
