Overview
The Cambridge ESG Transformation Programme equips KPMG professionals with essential ESG knowledge to drive sustainability conversations and strategies. The programme delivers scalable, research-based learning through core modules and specialist paths, fostering ESG fluency, leadership, and impact across KPMG’s global workforce.
The requirement
Equipping professionals with the essential ESG knowledge needed for confident client conversations
KPMG’s global ESG strategy places environmental, social and governance issues at the centre of the firm’s operations and services. With more than 275,000 employees worldwide, the firm identified a clear need: empower individuals across the business to understand and apply ESG principles in their work.
The aim was to develop capability at scale – enabling professionals in every function and region to engage confidently with ESG issues and to support clients navigating sustainability challenges.
KPMG required a digital learning solution that could deliver academically rigorous, globally relevant ESG education to thousands of employees, while allowing for flexibility across geographies and business units.
The solution
A structured, scalable programme to embed ESG fluency and literacy at every level of the organisation
A structured, scalable programme to embed ESG fluency and literacy at every level of the organisation.
Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education collaborated with KPMG to design a global ESG learning journey. The resulting Cambridge ESG Transformation Programme was built to support long-term behavioural and strategic change, while remaining practical and accessible for a global audience.
The curriculum was developed through design sprints and workshops with KPMG learning and development leaders, as well as with KPMG specialists in all aspects of the ESG operating environment. It followed a phased structure that introduced key ESG concepts, organisational implications and personal leadership strategies.
The programme comprised 3core modules:
- ESG and Market Transformation – exploring systemic challenges and how business behaviour, policy and market externalities have contributed to the current ESG landscape
- ESG and Organisational Change – examining purpose, stakeholder value and impact
- ESG and Individual Agency – focusing on the role of individual leadership by 2030
These were supported by 7 specialist content paths:
- Building a Net Zero World
- Leveraging Sustainable Finance
- Powering a Circular Economy
- Mapping a Social Landscape
- Creating Positive Social Impact
- Driving Accountable Governance
- Transforming Ethics
The online learning format included video lectures, case studies, interactive content and knowledge checks. Learning was designed and supported by thought leaders and subject matter experts from across the University of Cambridge.
The impact
Significant uptake and global engagement
Since launching in April 2023, the programme has achieved wide reach and positive feedback.
The programme was led by Professor Jennifer Howard-Grenville, Diageo Professor in Organisation Studies. It was supported by academic experts from Cambridge Judge Business School including:
- Dr Kamiar Mohaddes, Associate Professor in Economics & Policy
- Professor Khal Soufani, Management Practice Professor of Financial Economics and Policy
- Dr Oğuzhan Karakaş, Associate Professor in Finance
- Professor Lucia Reisch, El-Erian Professor of Behavioural Economics and Policy
- Dr Philip Stiles, Associate Professor in Corporate Governance
- Dr Michael Willis, Management Practice Associate Professor
Each contributor ensured content remained current, research-based and aligned with KPMG’s business context.
Participants to date
Modules completed to date
Hours of expert faculty input
Months extension beyond initial scope
I am thrilled about the uptake of this programme by KPMG employees worldwide. While ESG remains critical to the long term resilience of businesses, now more than ever implementing it requires clear understanding of why and how it adds value. Our KPMG-CJBS partnership has leveraged Cambridge faculty expertise to equip KPMG employees with the capacity to step back, ask questions about the bigger picture, and guide clients in assessing what risks and opportunities lie ahead.
A model for future programmes
Delivering capability-building at global scale
The development of the Cambridge ESG Transformation Programme was designed, developed and delivered through 600 hours of expert Cambridge faculty input.
Learning designers, academic leads, project managers and digital teams collaborated closely to manage delivery of the learning across a complex organisational landscape, including through supporting live teaching sessions for selected senior learner groups.
KPMG’s investment in ESG capability is both strategic and cultural – aiming to embed sustainability thinking into the fabric of the organisation. The success of the programme highlights what is possible when academic excellence, global delivery and practical application come together.
This approach is now informing future initiatives between Cambridge Judge Business School and KPMG, helping to build a workforce ready to lead with purpose and resilience in a rapidly evolving business environment.