The Accounting and Finance Department welcomes David Noon for a Guest Lecture on AI, ESG and Governance
David Noon visited Leeds University Business School to share insights on AI, ESG and governance, exploring the risks and the future of finance.
Leeds University Business School’s Accounting and Finance Department welcomed David Noon, Vice Chair and Senior Partner at Deloitte, for a special guest visit and lecture on 12 February 2026. The visit brought together academic colleagues and postgraduate students to explore the evolving risks and opportunities shaping the future of accounting and finance.
The visit began with a roundtable discussion with departmental colleagues, focusing on developments within the profession and the changing expectations placed on accounting and finance graduates. The conversation also explored opportunities for continued collaboration between the department and Deloitte.
Following this, David delivered a lecture to students from the MSc Accounting and Finance, MSc Finance and Investment, MSc Financial Risk Management, and MSc Banking and International Finance programmes. His lecture, titled “Supporting ESG Integration and Responsible AI Adoption in Financial and Governance Contexts,” examined how boards and audit and risk committees are responding to technological change, cyber risk, and sustainability priorities.
He highlighted the increasing importance of AI and ESG in strategic decision-making, emphasising the need for responsible adoption, effective oversight, and stronger board-level expertise. Students engaged actively throughout the session, raising thoughtful questions about AI risk management, sustainability reporting, board expertise, and the evolving expectations placed on finance professionals.
David Noon said:
It was great to visit the team at the Leeds University Business School, meet the students and scholars and deliver a guest lecture. There were so many interesting things going on, including a lecture on AI, ESG and governance. It was an impactful day all round.
Dr Ali Altanlar, Programme Director for Postgraduate Studies in Accounting and Finance, commented:
Our sincere thanks to David for sharing his expertise with our students and colleagues, and for encouraging critical reflection on the risks and responsibilities shaping the future of accounting and finance.
Dr Lu Qiao, Deputy Director of Postgraduate Studies in Accounting and Finance, added:
We were delighted to host David. It was extremely valuable for colleagues and students to engage with him and benefit from his experience, further strengthening our links between academia and industry. We are also grateful to Lydia Baldwin, University Development Officer, for her support in facilitating the visit.
The visit reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to connecting academic learning with industry practice, ensuring that its postgraduate programmes remain relevant and responsive to developments in the profession. Special thanks to the University Advancement Team, the LUBS External Engagement Team, and the Accounting and Finance Administrative Team for their support in organising the visit.
