The Next CLO 2026 award highlights the new ambitions of the L&D function

During the Open Education Night, organised on October 1, 2026, by Edflex and Julhiet Sterwen, Rennes School of Business Executive Education awarded the Next CLO 2026 Prize to Magali Ardellier, Learning Director at Gecina and an alumna of the Next Chief Learning Officer programme. This distinction highlights the ambition and potential of tomorrow’s Learning & Development (L&D) function.

Between the acceleration of artificial intelligence, rapid skills evolution, and organisational transformation, the L&D function is called upon to move beyond its traditional training role and take on a more strategic position within the enterprise.

This evolution is precisely what the Next CLO 2026 Award illustrates. Presented during Open Education Night, this prize honors an alumnus or alumna of the Next Chief Learning Officer (Next CLO) and Next Learning Leader programmes—two Executive Education pathways dedicated to L&D professionals. It brings recognition to those who help drive the evolution of practices and the role of the function.

From training to transformation

Since 2023, Magali Ardellier has been supporting skill development for 500 employees at Gecina. She notably experiments with new learning formats, ranging from escape games to 360° immersive experiences.

Her journey illustrates the shift in the profession: Learning is no longer just about offering training sessions, but about designing new learning experiences, supporting transformations, and closely aligning skills objectives with business goals.

Evolving the L&D Function

This reflection is at the heart of Next CLO and Next Learning Leader. Led by Rennes School of Business in partnership with a consortium of industry professionals, these programmes address the transformation of the L&D function, artificial intelligence, skills strategy, and the measurement of learning impact.

The consortium features Evgeny Lukin, Executive Education Director at Rennes School of Business and co-founder of the Next CLO consortium, Thierry Bonetto, founder of Learning Futures, as well as L&D executives and experts from major organisations.

Through this distinction, the Next CLO 2026 Award raises a question that has become central for businesses: What role should the L&D function now play in their transformation?

To learn more about the programmes:

Next Chief Learning Officer (CLO): Leading the L&D function in the age of AI

Next Learning Leader: Piloting training in the age of artificial intelligence