Walter Van Velden

In addition to my career, I have a passion for long-distance walking, particularly through historical routes like the Camino Primitivo in Spain, where I completed a 350 km journey. Walking these paths has been more than just a physical challenge—it has been a way to reflect deeply on personal and professional development.

I recently authored a book that intertwines these walking experiences with insights on resilience, patience, and leadership. Each step on the Camino provided a unique opportunity to disconnect from the fast pace of modern life, allowing space for introspection and clarity. The endurance and problem-solving skills required on long distance walks mirror the qualities needed to lead complex transitions in business.

In my book, I draw parallels between the physical journey of the Camino and the personal journey of growth we all undertake—whether in life or in the workplace. Walking for days on end, through unpredictable weather and challenging terrains, taught me lessons about persistence, strategic thinking, and the importance of taking measured steps toward long term goals—principles that also shape how I approach program management and large scale transformations.

Walter van Velden is hired as a contractor by Deloitte, where he serves as both a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Manager on various projects and internal initiatives. In this role, he brings his extensive experience in migration and digital transformation, and leadership to guide teams and deliver comprehensive solutions aligned with business goals. His expertise is leveraged in both client-facing projects and strategic internal efforts, ensuring effective execution and alignment with broader organizational objectives.

• Led the business preparation, testing, and cutover activities for the integration of AXA into Crelan Bank, establishing it as the fifth largest bank in Belgium.

• Developed a comprehensive migration and transformation strategy, coordinating cross-functional business and IT teams to ensure a seamless transition with minimal business disruption.

• Designed and delivered business solutions, ensuring seamless integration throughout the migration process.

• Produced and maintained detailed technical documentation, including process diagrams, data flows, and system designs.

• Collaborated with data scientists and developers to incorporate business needs into the system architecture and defined a roadmap for a scalable post-migration architecture.

• Initiated knowledge transfer sessions with technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring transparency around risks, issues, and dependencies.

• Ensured alignment between technical solutions and business strategies, supporting Crelan's long-term enterprise architecture goals.