International Canoe Federation and Deloitte unveil ground-breaking collaboration

The International Canoe Federation is excited to announce a strategic collaboration with Deloitte to pioneer a sustainable financial leadership model.

Deloitte is a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner and is putting in place a series of processes to help the ICF achieve its key strategic objectives of enhancing efficiency and implementing robust, transparent financial practices and policies across the organization.

The ground-breaking collaboration will support the ICF’s strategic development and the continued global growth of paddle sports.

ICF President Thomas Konietzko, ICF Vice President Lluis Rabaneda i Caselles and ICF Secretary General Richard Pettit attended the Sports Innovation Hub in Madrid, Spain, in late February, where they met the Deloitte representatives to launch the collaboration officially.

They were welcomed by Pete Giorgio, Deloitte’s Global Sports Sector Leader and US Sports Practice Leader, and John Tweardy, Deloitte Sports and Major Events Leader and IOC and Olympic Lead Consulting Partner.

Multiple benefits for both sides

“We are delighted to work with Deloitte to help with the digital transformation of our financial management system,” said Mr Konietzko from the ICF.

“We appreciate Deloitte’s extensive knowledge and expertise, which will ensure that we are achieving our ambitions to be as effective as possible across our organization with strong and strategic management of our finances. This collaboration is a key aspect of our Fit for Future strategy as we look to streamline our decision-making process through strengthened governance structures.”

Mr Tweardy from Deloitte added: “Deloitte Sports is very proud to support ICF’s vision of increasing efficiency and good governance. By leveraging our expertise and global footprint in digital finance and operations, we are helping the ICF streamline their financial processes and drive greater transparency. This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to the Olympic Movement and International Federations, and we look forward to amplifying the ICF mission of promoting and developing paddle sport around the world."

A model for sustainable financial leadership in sports

Since the collaboration started in mid-December 2023, the ICF and Deloitte have engaged all stakeholders within the organization and identified and implemented quick wins.

The ICF – with the support of Deloitte – is seeking to establish a sustainable financial leadership model, ensuring accurate data management and streamlining and standardizing finance processes across different disciplines and departments to improve consistency and overall efficiency.

This model addresses the complex financial challenges sports organizations face today, including revenue volatility, rising operational costs, and the imperative for greater transparency and sustainability.

Emphasizing strategic financial management, this model fosters resilience, transparency, and alignment with long-term objectives.

The collaboration is poised to set new standards in financial governance, fostering a culture of accountability and strategic financial management that will underpin the ICF’s growth and enhance its global influence in promoting all paddle sports.