IOC adds technology integration remit to Olympic Games partnership with Deloitte

As the Olympics in Paris draws to a close, and the Paralympics gets under way, the International Olympic Committee have announced a new technology integration partner. Deloitte will step up from its role as consulting partner, to take on the technological aspects of the games – previously overseen by Atos.

John Skowron, Deloitte vice chair for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, stated, “This is an exciting moment for Deloitte as we build on the incredible work we have already begun with the IOC around digital transformation, knowledge management infrastructure, as well as programmes supporting athletes and sustainability initiatives. In 2022, we kicked off our ‘partnership with purpose’ with the goal of utilising Deloitte’s capabilities to advance our shared ambition of enabling a better world through sport."

Deloitte has already been serving the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as its worldwide management consulting partner. The partnership began in 2022 and covers Paris 2024 through to Brisbane 2032. However, over that same period will now see Deloitte take on the role of games technology integration partner for the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games.

Among the responsibilities will be Deloitte working to help advance the IOC’s vision of establishing a new integrated technology infrastructure and Games platform to enhance and secure the Olympic and Paralympic Games’ technology operations for the future.

This will include designing, implementing and operating technology integration, application development and cybersecurity services. At the same time, Deloitte will lead the technological transformation to try and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Olympic Games operations – including support for the implementation of the Olympic Agenda 2020 recommendations related to optimising delivery of the Olympic Games by developing technology that can be customised for each Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Ilario Corna, IOC chief information and technology officer, added, “Together with Deloitte, we are excited to explore new possibilities and drive forward the future of technology in sport. Our shared vision of excellence and innovation will ensure that the Olympic Games remain a symbol of human potential and achievement. We look forward to continuing this journey, setting new benchmarks, and inspiring future generations through our commitment to technological advancement and excellence in the world of sport.”

Replacing Atos

The news is a major change, with Atos having served as worldwide IT partner since 2001. The French IT consultancy’s contract ends with the Paris Paralympics’ closing ceremony, bringing an end to its long relationship with the Games. This comes at a time of sustained crisis for Atos – but according to online sports news site SportsPro, the IOC’s decision was “made two years ago and is unrelated to Atos’s ongoing financial challenges”.

Showing that Atos’ $1.8 billion restructuring plan is not necessarily leading to an exodus of clients, the firm recently agreed an eight year deal with Uefa to become the official technology partner for all men’s national team competitions. That included Uefa Euro 2024 in Germany earlier in the summer – though a number of technical glitches did leave fans questioning the stats provided during broadcasts on multiple occasions.