AtkinsRéalis Strengthens Leadership Bench with Senior Development Program

Leading Through Transformation

A few years ago, AtkinsRéalis—a global powerhouse in engineering and nuclear services—was at a pivotal moment. Fresh off a series of transformative acquisitions, including the landmark integration of SNC-Lavalin and Atkins, the company was evolving fast. But with transformation came challenges. To thrive in its new structure, AtkinsRéalis needed more than a new org chart—it required a new kind of leader. The challenge? Redefine its leadership culture and build a future-ready pipeline of senior leaders who can navigate complexity and accelerate growth.

That pivotal year also marked a shift in leadership at the top. A newly appointed president brought a bold vision: transform the company’s leadership culture to foster collaboration, strategic execution, and a renewed sense of purpose. Working closely with HR and business leaders across regions, AtkinsRéalis recognized that, while the company had strong technical leaders, it needed to elevate those who could think strategically, collaborate cross-functionally, and thrive in an uncertain and complex global environment.

A Turning Point for Leadership Culture

AtkinsRéalis partnered with DDI to build and launch the Senior Leadership Development Program (SLDP). This experiential, immersive learning journey targets high-potential senior managers and simulates the demands of executive-level leadership. It also focuses on developing core leadership skills and aligning leaders with the company’s long-term strategy. The SLDP is a critical stepping stone in the company’s broader leadership development strategy.

This is the most impactful leadership experience I’ve had in over two decades. It made me proud to be part of a company that invests in its people this way.

 AtkinsRéalis employee and SLDP program participant

How the SLDP Builds Executive-Ready Leaders

The SLDP is more than a course—it’s a whole leadership experience. After completing a 360-degree leadership assessment and personal coaching, participants come together for a transformative, week-long, in-person program. Throughout the week, they engage in a series of immersive experiences designed to build the capabilities and confidence required at the executive level. These include:

• Business Simulation: Participants take the reins of a fictional company over five simulated years, making tough decisions on strategy, investments, talent development, and navigating market disruptions in a ‘friendly but fierce’ competitive environment in sub-teams.
• Leadership Capabilities Development: As participants navigate the complexities of the business simulation, they take a step back to focus on leadership implications and capabilities required to run the evolving business. Areas covered include strategic thinking, influencing, coaching other leaders, talent development, and leading through change.
• Leadership Brand Reflection: With a line of sight on their evolving careers, participants define their leadership identity and how they want to be known as executives going forward.
• Executive Engagement: Company leaders, including the CEO, are actively involved throughout the program, mentoring participants, sharing business priorities, and reinforcing real-world leadership expectations.

The program culminates with participants delivering a team presentation to a “board” of senior executives, receiving candid feedback on their performance and leadership approach.

A Global Program with Real-World Impact

Each year, AtkinsRéalis runs five cohorts, each with approximately 24 participants from across the globe. Leaders join from Canada, the UK, the U.S., the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. This global reach makes the program a powerful tool for breaking down regional silos.

Participants not only build leadership capabilities, but they also form lasting professional networks that spark business impact. These cross-regional connections have led to shared learning, strategic alignment, and successful joint bids on multimillion-dollar contracts.

One cohort saw U.S. and UK participants team up on a client proposal. Another group, spanning the Middle East and the UK, pursued a joint venture—proof that the relationships built in the program extend far beyond the classroom.

The presence of our senior executives gave the experience extra weight. We weren’t just learning leadership in theory—we were learning what leadership looks like here.

 AtkinsRéalis employee and SLDP program participant

A Catalyst for Culture Change

The SLDP is a cornerstone of AtkinsRéalis’ broader “Pivot to Growth” strategy. Designed to drive cultural transformation, the program fosters collaboration, breaks down silos, and reinforces core values like integrity, innovation, and purpose. In doing so, it supports the company’s ambition to build a unified, high-performing leadership culture across its global footprint.

The program is tightly aligned with key organizational priorities, including:

• Strengthening succession planning and ensuring leadership continuity
• Boosting employee engagement and retention, particularly among high-potential leaders
• Promoting diversity and inclusion, evidenced by a rise in participation of women from 19% to 41%
• Developing leaders who can confidently navigate complexity and drive strategic outcomes

By equipping leaders with critical capabilities and a deep connection to the company’s values, the SLDP helps future-proof the organization and foster alignment across regions and business units.

Executive Sponsorship Drives Impact

Senior leaders are deeply involved—not just in concept but in practice. Their participation adds credibility and drives stronger engagement. Leaders share strategic insights, participate in panels, and mentor participants, modeling the behaviors and culture they expect others to emulate.

Senior leaders bring the program to life. Their hands-on involvement—from mentoring sessions to panel discussions—gives participants a front-row seat to what outstanding leadership looks like at AtkinsRéalis.

One participant noted, “The presence of our senior executives gave the experience extra weight. We weren’t just learning leadership in theory—we were learning what leadership looks like here.”

A Program Employees Aspire To

The SLDP has become one of the most sought-after leadership development opportunities at AtkinsRéalis. It’s seen as a signal of high potential, and being nominated is considered a recognition of leadership promise.

For many, the experience is transformational, professionally and personally. The program creates space for meaningful connection and shared growth, fostering participants' deep sense of belonging. From team dinners to the graduation celebration, these shared moments build trust, camaraderie, and pride in being part of something bigger.

As one participant put it, “This is the most impactful leadership experience I’ve had in over two decades. It made me proud to be part of a company that invests in its people this way.”

Measurable Results, Lasting Impact

Since its launch, the SLDP has delivered a clear, quantifiable impact across the business:

• 49% of participants have been promoted since 2019, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing leaders for senior roles.
• Lateral moves are up 30%, supporting greater agility and growth within the company’s matrix structure.
• Direct reports of SLDP participants report higher engagement, with 90% saying their managers support innovation and model company values.
• Retention and engagement metrics have risen, especially among high-potential leaders who’ve completed the program.

But beyond the numbers, the SLDP is changing how leaders think, act, and grow. Participants leave with not just stronger skills, but sharper self-awareness. Many report ongoing changes in how they lead, coach, and collaborate even years after completing the program.

By creating space for honest self-assessment and practical skill building, the SLDP doesn’t just fuel career growth; it sparks lasting leadership transformation across the organization, enabling leaders to apply strategic thinking, collaborate cross-functionally, and thrive despite change.

Award-Winning Senior Leadership Development

The AtkinsRéalis learning and development team, in partnership with their DDI team, won a Silver Leadership Development Award from the Brandon Hall 2025 Human Capital Management Excellence Awards. SLDP won in the Best Senior Manager Development Program category.

Building a Legacy of Leadership Excellence

In just a few years, the Senior Leadership Development Program has become the cornerstone of executive development at AtkinsRéalis. It’s not just a leadership course; it’s a business accelerator, a culture shaper, and a powerful retention and engagement tool.

As the company grows organically and through strategic acquisitions, the need for agile, connected, and visionary leaders is more critical than ever.

With the SLDP, AtkinsRéalis isn’t just preparing for the future. It’s building it.

Learn more about DDI’s executive leadership development.