Global impact Wouter’s DevOps team operates under Deloitte Global. 'Officially, our team is called EMA Global DevOps', he clarifies. 'Our management is based in the US, but due to access restrictions, the EMA region has its office in the Netherlands.' The team is responsible for maintaining and optimising applications that are crucial for Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance department. 'If we don’t do our job well, the applications falter. This directly affects Deloitte’s revenue and reputation', Wouter explains. The team ensures that audit applications like Omnia and Levvia continue to function and continuously works on improvements and automation. 'Our impact is significant, even though we often operate in the background. Nowadays, everything runs on software. You can think of it like a house. The architects design it, the developers furnish the rooms, and we ensure everything in the house continues to function properly.' The team’s diversity is remarkable. Wouter leads people from India, China, Russia, Georgia, Colombia, and the Netherlands, among others. Despite cultural differences, the team collaboration is excellent. 'There are no conflicts, and what makes us strong is that everyone is extremely helpful, flexible, and eager to learn. We are also increasingly working cross-functionally, which makes us even stronger. This way, we can take over each other’s work if needed. People can go on holiday with peace of mind, and we can quickly adapt to changing business requirements.'

For new colleagues interested in joining the Global DevOps team, Wouter has a message: 'If you’re looking for a dynamic work environment where you interact with different cultures and have an affinity for IT, then you should definitely join our team. We offer plenty of opportunities for personal development, and you can truly make a difference here.' With his open attitude and passion for working with people, Wouter shows that Deloitte is not only a place for tech enthusiasts but especially for those who want to get the best out of themselves and others.