People
We look to recruit people who have the diverse skills and experience to get large
companies to make improvements that will last. They have all been senior managers
– some in international firms – and are used to getting the best out of processes
and people. They have sound knowledge, fresh views on old problems, and the personal
skills to get hard things done. They are not career consultants.
Some have special skills in financial/operational analysis, in organisational design
and the supply chain, in manufacturing and operational controls, in managing projects,
and in employee relations and employment law. They include a number of American,
Dutch, French and German consultants, and several qualified employment lawyers –
in the UK, France and Germany. This is a particular advantage in undertaking large
restructurings.
Our consultants accept personal accountability for getting done what the client
has asked us to achieve. They do not work in large teams. It defeats our objective
of understanding thoroughly a manager’s perspective and providing excellent value
for money.
Most consultants stay with us for a long time. It is rare for them to move to a
competitor – more likely they will seek to refresh their skills in another managerial
job.
But – we do not normally publish their names and biographical information. It tends
to be too great a temptation for the many head-hunters that target our profession.
In summary:
- 100% - have held senior managerial jobs, often in multinational companies
- 45% - have been top managers outside the UK, with responsibility for operations
in mainland Europe, the United States and/or globally
- 54% - have higher degrees and/or other professional qualifications
- 47 - is their average age
- 12 years - is the average consultant’s experience before leading major assignments
- 83% - come from a non-consultancy background. Their performance has been measured
by the attainment of managerial targets.