KMSKA x Deloitte: constantly reinventing

Almost two centuries on, Deloitte continues to thrive – built on a foundation of consistent quality and strong local roots. “We see that identity reflected in the KMSKA, as well as the ambition to innovate.” CEO Rolf Driesen looks ahead as the long-term partnership with the KMSKA gets off the ground.
 

Innovative and hands-on 

Deloitte is a renowned business services provider. The firm supports organisations through four core services: audit, tax and legal advice, strategic, transaction and risk advice, and technology implementation. “The scope of our work is very broad, and we operate globally,” explains Rolf Driesen, CEO of Deloitte Belgium. “We are the market leader in our sector, and we are keen to translate that into our impact on society. To that end, we seek out partners with similar values and ambitions, and we certainly find those at the KMSKA – from its history to what the museum stands for today. The strength of the collection and the contemporary way in which it is presented to a wide audience. All these elements appeal to us enormously and resonate with us. We, too, are always seeking to reinvent and innovate what we do.” 

Driesen also appreciates the hands-on nature of the KMSKA. “An example? They don’t just exhibit works of art; they also re-evaluate them and demonstrate how they are restored. That’s an approach we recognise. With our services, we cover both breadth and depth. In Belgium, we have more than 5,000 employees, every one of whom is a specialist capable of solving our clients’ specific challenges.

The same can be said of the museum’s collection: broad and deep, curated with care and expertise. The diversity of the works is astonishing, and the bar is set high.”

Points of contact with clients and suppliers

Deloitte is an international player that is keen to make its contribution to society through local partnerships. Furthermore, the partnership with the museum immediately provides a topic of conversation, says Driesen: “It’s lovely to see that a number of our clients and contacts have also embraced the KMSKA’s story: that instantly creates common ground. We’re also looking forward to welcoming clients who aren’t yet familiar with the KMSKA here with a complete experience: a guided evening with some light refreshments, for example.”

Deloitte’s staff are also enthusiastic about the partnership. “We’ve already organised a few events at the KMSKA, such as the Women in M&A community event. That was a huge success.” The aftermovie of this sparkling event, set against the inspiring backdrop of the KMSKA, can be viewed here.

“To be honest, absolutely everyone comes back absolutely raving about a visit to the KMSKA,” notes Driesen. “There’s something special about that building: first those traditional galleries with their warm colours and historical works, and then suddenly the refreshing feel of the new installations, that breath of fresh air on the fantastic staircase leading upwards – the Stairway to Heaven: it’s simply a fantastic experience.” 

Optimism for the future 

Choosing a favourite work from the collection is a difficult task. Driesen prefers to select one with a background he feels an affinity for: James Ensor’s *The Fall of the Rebellious Angels*. “Ensor was a progressive artist who didn’t always receive much acclaim during his lifetime. He brought innovation and coloured outside the lines. He didn’t get stuck in the formats that were generally accepted at the time.” In this, Driesen sees another similarity with Deloitte: “Of course we follow the standard, but at the same time we like to think ahead. Daring to pioneer, remaining agile and enterprising, exploring what is possible: that’s something I can relate to.”

Driesen himself comes from a creative family: “My father and grandfather were active in sculpture and painting; my sister teaches at the art academy.” He feels that a visit to a museum always yields new insights. “Spending time at the KMSKA inspires me; it always leaves me feeling positive about the future. If, through this partnership, we can share that inspiration and optimism with many more people, then as far as I’m concerned, it’s a success,” concludes the CEO.