Alchemist and Fugro win Gold in 2026 Brandon Hall Group(TM) HCM Excellence Awards(R). Customized U.Excel program for middle managers recognized for combining coaching, real-world application, and immersive practice through Boomtown simulation LONDON - Alchemist, a global leadership development company specializing in changing behavior at scale through practice-led learning, and Fugro, the world's leading Geo-data specialist, announced today that they won Gold in the Best Leadership Development Program category in the 2026 Brandon Hall Group(TM) HCM Excellence Awards(R). The winning initiative, U.Excel, is a customized program created for Fugro's middle managers. It was designed to build leadership confidence, strengthen strategic communication and turn learning into meaningful behavioral change. "We're proud to receive Gold and to have the work of our participants and learning team recognized," said Wouter Jan Kleinlugtenbelt, global head of learning at Fugro. "Our middle managers are a critical link between strategy and execution, so we didn't want a generic leadership course. The program was developed around the situations our leaders face every day." The 11-week development journey combined live virtual learning, diagnostic insight, one-to-one coaching, peer learning, practice between sessions, work on real business challenges, forum theatre, senior leader engagement and post-program reinforcement. The program culminated in Boomtown, a two-day, face-to-face immersive business simulation delivered by an Alchemist facilitator, coaches and professional actors. Participants stepped into a fictional company and were challenged to apply their new skills and behaviors in an environment designed to recreate the pressure, ambiguity and interpersonal dynamics of real leadership. "This award validates what can happen when an organization is willing to go beyond traditional leadership training and create opportunities for people to practice in situations that feel real. U.Excel was designed around that principle," said Russell Miller, CEO of Alchemist. "Boomtown brought those behaviors together in an environment where participants could test themselves, adapt and learn. It's a powerful example of what practice-led learning can achieve when it's built around the realities leaders face." Participant feedback highlighted the impact of the experience: * "A brilliantly designed, created and executed simulation that brought to life, in a short space of time, so many challenges that we often have to deal with. It massively reinforced the learnings of the course, brought it to life and made sure we'll remember Boomtown!" * "It is really something we can't learn in a classroom or virtually. The simulation reflects many real challenges we face at work." Program impact was measured through a combination of quantitative data, participant feedback, coaching insight, facilitator observation and follow-up evidence from the business. Across cohorts, U.Excel achieved: * 94% average positivity score across the program. * 96% average positivity score for the Boomtown simulation. * 95% said they gained value from the interactive nature of the simulation. The program also created opportunities for managers across countries and functions to build stronger connections with peers and senior leaders. The face-to-face experience added a different level of energy, visibility and connection next to the virtual part of the program. "Boomtown gave participants something that's very difficult to recreate through conventional learning," Kleinlugtenbelt added. "They could test themselves, see how their behavior affected others and receive immediate feedback, all within a safe environment. That combination of realism, challenge and reflection made the experience memorable and helped participants connect the learning directly to their work." "Every year, the HCM Excellence Awards remind us that innovation is ultimately about impact," Rachel Cooke, COO of Brandon Hall Group(TM) and HCM Excellence Awards(R) Program Leader. "The organizations recognized this year have demonstrated that great HR and learning strategies don't just improve programs, they strengthen organizations, empower people and deliver measurable business results. We are honored to celebrate their achievements." "The HCM Excellence Awards have become the most recognized benchmark for excellence in human capital management because organizations know they are earned, not given," Mike Cooke, CEO, Brandon Hall Group(TM). Every winning program has demonstrated measurable impact, innovation, and execution through one of the industry's most rigorous evaluation processes. We are proud to recognize the organizations setting the standard for the future of work." The Brandon Hall Group(TM) HCM Excellence Awards(R) recognize organizations that successfully develop and deploy programs, strategies, technologies and solutions that deliver measurable business results and advance excellence in Human Capital Management. Entries are evaluated by industry experts and Brandon Hall Group analysts based on alignment to business needs, program design and delivery, adoption, measurable benefits, and overall impact. About Alchemist. Headquartered in London, Alchemist is a global leadership development company specializing in immersive, experiential, and interactive learning. Known for its client-centric approach and innovative design, Alchemist creates learning experiences that are impactful, memorable, and built to drive business outcomes through high-stakes, real-world challenges, live practice, AI-driven simulations, and immediate coaching. Learn more at thisisalchemist.com. About Fugro. Fugro is the world's leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analyzing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterization and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle. Learn more at https://www.fugro.com. About Brandon Hall Group(TM). For more than 30 years, we have helped organizations transform workforce performance into measurable business results. We combine independent research, proven practices from award-winning organizations, benchmarking, strategic advisory, and the collective intelligence of a global executive community to help leaders make better decisions with greater confidence. Our Workforce Excellence Intelligence is built on evidence, not opinion. By continuously studying leadership, learning, talent, human resources, artificial intelligence, and the future of work, we identify what drives exceptional organizational performance - and translate those insights into practical frameworks, benchmarks, and guidance that organizations can apply immediately. More than 10,000 organizations worldwide, including many of the world[[ʼ]]s leading employers and Human Capital Management solution providers, have engaged with Brandon Hall Group through our research, advisory services, Excellence Councils, Institute, certifications, and the globally recognized HCM Excellence Awards(R). Together, they create one of the industry[[ʼ]]s richest ecosystems of workforce knowledge, best practices, and proven results. Our purpose is to make Workforce Excellence achievable for every organization and establish it as the global standard for organizational success. Like what you see? 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Fugro names Emiel Jongerius as incoming CFO. * 31 August 2026 * Edited By: Haley McQueen The Supervisory Board of Fugro NV has nominated Emiel Jongerius for appointment as a member of the Board of Management and Chief Financial Officer, effective November 16, 2026. Emiel is a highly experienced finance executive with 25 years of experience, including senior roles at Royal Philips, Signify, and AkzoNobel. (Image credit: Fugro) Emiel Jongerius (50) has extensive experience in finance leadership, business performance management, and transformation in large, global organizations. Between 2001 and 2018, he held a range of senior finance and leadership roles at Royal Philips and Signify, including chief financial officer (CFO) and Head of Strategy for Signify's EUR 1.8 billion Lamps business. From 2018 to 2025, he worked at AkzoNobel, where he ultimately served as Group Controller. In late 2025, he joined Just Eat Takeaway, where he leads finance. Emiel holds a Master's degree in Economics and Business from Erasmus University Rotterdam and a post-master's degree in Controlling (RC) from Nyenrode Business University. Throughout his career, Emiel has led global finance organizations across a broad range of disciplines, including financial control, enterprise financial planning & analysis, tax, and treasury. He has a strong track record in improving the effectiveness and discipline of finance functions. In addition to his finance leadership experience, Emiel has extensive commercial and operational expertise, including strategy, procurement, logistics, customer negotiations, and working capital management. Ron Mobed, Chairman of the Supervisory Board: "We look forward to welcoming Emiel as Fugro's new CFO. I am confident that his experience and drive will be instrumental in strengthening Fugro's financial foundations and supporting the execution of the measures needed to improve performance, while maintaining capital discipline and advancing the company's long-term strategy and value creation ambitions." Mark Heine, CEO: "I am delighted to welcome Emiel to Fugro. He brings extensive experience in leading global finance organizations, a strong understanding of business operations, and a proven track record as an effective business partner to commercial teams. He is also an engaging leader with a clear focus on people. His ability to optimize finance functions through structure and discipline, while working closely with the business, positions him well to play a key role in driving performance improvement and balancing near-term results with sustainable long-term value." Emiel Jongerius: "I am excited to join Fugro, a company whose unique expertise and purpose strongly resonate with me. I look forward to working closely with the teams, gaining a deep understanding of the business, and helping translate its strengths into sustainable growth, strong performance, and attractive returns." The nomination, for a term ending at the general meeting of shareholders in 2031, will be submitted to the shareholders for their approval at an extraordinary general meeting to be convened on October 28, 2026. He will succeed Barbara Geelen, who stepped down as CFO at the general meeting of shareholders on April 23, 2026. Don't miss the headlines. ON&T's Top 10, every week. More in Milestones

Alchemist and Fugro win Gold for Best Leadership Development Program in 2026 Brandon Hall Group(TM) HCM Excellence Awards(R). Aug 24, 2026, 12:00 ET Customised U.Excel programme for middle managers recognised for combining coaching, real-world application, and immersive practice through Boomtown simulation LONDON, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ - Alchemist, a global leadership development company specialising in changing behaviour at scale through practice-led learning, and Fugro (ENXTAM:FUR), the world's leading Geo-data specialist, announced today that they won Gold in the Best Leadership Development Program category in the 2026 Brandon Hall Group(TM) HCM Excellence Awards(R). The winning initiative, U.Excel, is a customised programme created for Fugro's middle managers. It was designed to build leadership confidence, strengthen strategic communication, and turn learning into meaningful behavioural change. "We're proud to receive Gold and to have the work of our participants and learning team recognised," said Wouter Jan Kleinlugtenbelt, global head of learning at Fugro. "Our middle managers are a critical link between strategy and execution, so we didn't want a generic leadership course. The programme was developed around the situations our leaders face every day." The 11-week development journey combined live virtual learning, diagnostic insight, one-to-one coaching, peer learning, practice between sessions, work on real business challenges, forum theatre, senior leader engagement, and post-programme reinforcement. The programme culminated in Boomtown, a two-day, face-to-face immersive business simulation delivered by an Alchemist facilitator, coaches, and professional actors. Participants stepped into a fictional company and were challenged to apply their new skills and behaviours in an environment designed to recreate the pressure, ambiguity, and interpersonal dynamics of real leadership. "This award validates what can happen when an organisation is willing to go beyond traditional leadership training and create opportunities for people to practise in situations that feel real. U.Excel was designed around that principle," said Russell Miller, CEO of Alchemist. "Boomtown brought those behaviours together in an environment where participants could test themselves, adapt, and learn. It's a powerful example of what practice-led learning can achieve when it's built around the realities leaders face." Participant feedback highlighted the impact of the experience: * "A brilliantly designed, created, and executed simulation that brought to life, in a short space of time, so many challenges that we often have to deal with. It massively reinforced the learnings of the course, brought it to life, and made sure we'll remember Boomtown!" * "It is really something we can't learn in a classroom or virtually. The simulation reflects many real challenges we face at work." Programme impact was measured through a combination of quantitative data, participant feedback, coaching insight, facilitator observation, and follow-up evidence from the business. Across cohorts, U.Excel achieved: * 94% average positivity score across the programme * 96% average positivity score for the Boomtown simulation * 95% said they gained value from the interactive nature of the simulation The programme also created opportunities for managers across countries and functions to build stronger connections with peers and senior leaders. The face-to-face experience added a different level of energy, visibility, and connection next to the virtual part of the programme. "Boomtown gave participants something that's very difficult to recreate through conventional learning," Kleinlugtenbelt added. "They could test themselves, see how their behaviour affected others, and receive immediate feedback, all within a safe environment. That combination of realism, challenge, and reflection made the experience memorable and helped participants connect the learning directly to their work." The accolade follows further external recognition for Fugro's learning leadership. Kleinlugtenbelt was named a Silver Stevie(R) Award winner for Chief Learning Officer of the Year in the 2026 Stevie Awards for Great Employers. The Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards(R) recognise organisations that successfully develop and deploy programmes, strategies, technologies, and solutions that deliver measurable business results and advance excellence in Human Capital Management. Entries are evaluated by industry experts and Brandon Hall Group analysts based on alignment to business needs, programme design and delivery, adoption, measurable benefits, and overall impact. About Alchemist Headquartered in London, Alchemist is a global leadership development company specialising in immersive, experiential, and interactive learning. Known for its client-centric approach and innovative design, Alchemist creates learning experiences that are impactful, memorable, and built to drive business outcomes through high-stakes, real-world challenges, live practice, AI-driven simulations, and immediate coaching. Learn more at thisisalchemist.com. About Fugro Fugro is the world's leading Geo-data specialist, collecting and analysing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Adopting an integrated approach that incorporates acquisition and analysis of Geo-data and related advice, Fugro provides solutions. With expertise in site characterisation and asset integrity, clients are supported in the safe, sustainable and efficient design, construction and operation of their assets throughout the full lifecycle. Learn more at https://www.fugro.com. Media Contact SOURCE Alchemist