20 Leading Strategy Consulting Firms to Watch in 2025
1. McKinsey & Company
- Founders: James O. McKinsey
- Founded Year: 1926
- Headquarters: New York City, NY, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Operations, Digital Transformation, Organization, Technology, Sustainability
- Description: McKinsey & Company stands as the gold standard in strategy consulting, advising global leaders across industries on transformative strategies. With over 30,000 employees and 130+ offices, it drives world-shaping impact through rigorous analytics and deep expertise. Known for its CEO factory, producing alumni like Google’s Sundar Pichai, McKinsey excels in high-stakes projects, from digital reinventions to climate transitions. Despite its prestige, it faces scrutiny for controversial engagements, yet its influence remains unmatched in shaping corporate and governmental strategies worldwide.
- Key Features:
- Unparalleled global reach with 130+ offices.
- Deep expertise across all industries and functions.
- Pioneers in tech-enabled transformations.
- Strong focus on sustainability and ESG strategies.
- Highly selective recruitment from top universities.
- Robust alumni network driving industry influence.
- Proprietary tools like McKinsey Digital for tech solutions.
- Emphasis on data-driven decision-making.
2. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Founders: Bruce D. Henderson
- Founded Year: 1963
- Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Digital Transformation, Operations, Sustainability, Private Equity
- Description: BCG is a global leader renowned for innovative frameworks like the Growth-Share Matrix. With 30,000 employees across 90+ offices, it excels in strategy, digital, and transformation projects. BCG’s focus on external market dynamics and proprietary concepts like the “experience curve” sets it apart. Its collaborative culture and strong private equity practice make it a top choice for complex transformations, particularly in AI, data analytics, and sustainability, positioning BCG as a forward-thinking challenger to McKinsey.
- Key Features:
- Pioneered market-focused strategy frameworks.
- Strong private equity consulting practice.
- Emphasis on AI and data analytics.
- Robust diversity and inclusion programs.
- Global network with 90+ offices.
- Collaborative, team-oriented culture.
- Specialized digital arm, BCG Digital Ventures.
3. Bain & Company
- Founders: Bill Bain
- Founded Year: 1973
- Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Private Equity, Digital Transformation, Operations, Customer Strategy
- Description: Bain & Company, founded by a BCG alumnus, is celebrated for its client-centric, results-driven approach. With 8,000 employees across 65 offices, Bain pioneered private equity consulting and spun off Bain Capital. Its concierge model limits clients per industry to maximize value, excelling in strategy, M&A, and digital transformations. Known for a people-centric culture, Bain fosters strong team dynamics, making it a top destination for consultants seeking impact and camaraderie.
- Key Features:
- Concierge model for client exclusivity.
- Leader in private equity consulting.
- Strong focus on measurable results.
- People-centric, collaborative culture.
- Expertise in digital and customer strategy.
- Global reach with 65 offices.
- Innovative Bain Innovation Exchange for startups.
4. Strategy& (part of PwC)
- Founders: Edwin Booz
- Founded Year: 1914 (as Booz & Company, rebranded 2014)
- Headquarters: New York City, NY, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Operations, Digital Transformation, Innovation
- Description: Strategy&, PwC’s strategy consulting arm, combines innovative thinking with PwC’s global resources. Acquired in 2014, it retains the legacy of founder Edwin Booz, focusing on high-impact executive-level strategies. With over 3,800 employees across 75 offices, Strategy& tackles complex challenges in industries like healthcare and technology, offering competitive pay and a diversity-focused culture. Its foresight-driven approach makes it a strong MBB competitor.
- Key Features:
- Backed by PwC’s global network.
- Focus on executive-level strategy.
- Strong diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Competitive compensation matching MBB.
- Expertise in innovation and foresight.
- Global presence with 75 offices.
5. Kearney
- Founders: Andrew Thomas Kearney
- Founded Year: 1926
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Operations, Digital Transformation, Procurement
- Description: Founded by a McKinsey partner, Kearney is a global firm with 5,300 employees across 40+ countries. Known for its collegial culture, it specializes in operations and procurement, serving over 75% of Fortune 500 companies. Despite challenges post-EDS acquisition, Kearney has rebounded, focusing on practical strategies and digital transformations. Its community-driven ethos and global reach make it a compelling choice for consultants.
- Key Features:
- Strong operations and procurement expertise.
- Collegial, community-focused culture.
- Serves 75% of Fortune 500.
- Independent since 2005 post-EDS.
- Global presence in 40+ countries.
- Focus on practical, actionable strategies.
6. Roland Berger
- Founders: Roland Berger
- Founded Year: 1967
- Headquarters: Munich, Germany
- Product Categories: Strategy, Operations, Digital Transformation, Sustainability
- Description: Roland Berger, Europe’s leading strategy consultancy, boasts 3,500 employees across 50 offices. Its non-Anglo-Saxon roots emphasize global community and industrial expertise, particularly in automotive and energy. Known for high client exposure and mentorship, it offers clear career progression and innovative solutions for complex challenges, making it a top choice in Europe and beyond.
- Key Features:
- Europe’s largest strategy consultancy.
- Strong industrial and automotive focus.
- High junior consultant client exposure.
- Robust mentorship and career progression.
- Global network with 50 offices.
- Emphasis on sustainability strategies.
7. Oliver Wyman
- Founders: Alex Oliver, Bill Wyman
- Founded Year: 1984
- Headquarters: New York City, NY, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Financial Services, Digital Transformation, Operations
- Description: Oliver Wyman, part of Marsh McLennan, excels in financial services, healthcare, and digital transformation. With 6,000 employees across 70+ cities, it delivers innovative solutions for regulated industries. Its data-driven approach and global reach make it a leader in solving complex business problems, appealing to consultants seeking impactful, specialized work.
- Key Features:
- Deep financial services expertise.
- Strong in regulated industries.
- Data-driven, innovative solutions.
- Global presence in 70+ cities.
- Part of Marsh McLennan network.
- Focus on digital transformation.
8. L.E.K. Consulting
- Founders: James Lawrence, Iain Evans, Richard Koch
- Founded Year: 1983
- Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, M&A, Operations, Life Sciences
- Description: L.E.K. Consulting, founded by Bain alumni, specializes in strategy, M&A, and life sciences. With 2,100 employees, it serves industries like healthcare and private equity, known for due diligence expertise. Its mentorship programs and data-driven insights drive growth for clients, offering a boutique-like culture with global impact.
- Key Features:
- Expertise in life sciences and private equity.
- Strong M&A and due diligence focus.
- Robust mentorship programs.
- Data-driven strategic insights.
- Boutique culture with global reach.
- Serves diverse industries effectively.
9. EY-Parthenon
- Founders: William Achtmeyer (Parthenon Group)
- Founded Year: 1991 (merged with EY in 2014)
- Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, M&A, Innovation, Private Equity
- Description: EY-Parthenon, EY’s strategy arm, blends boutique agility with Big Four resources. With 3,000 employees across 50+ offices, it focuses on corporate strategy and M&A, serving Global 1000 and private equity clients. Its entrepreneurial culture and innovative business models make it a top choice for strategic problem-solvers.
- Key Features:
- Boutique culture with Big Four backing.
- Strong M&A and private equity focus.
- Innovative business model development.
- Global network with 50+ offices.
- Entrepreneurial, flexible work environment.
- Serves diverse industries like healthcare.
10. Accenture Strategy
- Founders: (Not applicable, spun off from Arthur Andersen)
- Founded Year: 1989
- Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
- Product Categories: Strategy, Digital Transformation, Technology, Operations
- Description: Accenture Strategy, part of Accenture’s global empire, excels in IT and strategy consulting. With 8,000 strategy consultants, it drives digital transformations and operational efficiencies for clients in 120+ countries. Known for innovation, it leverages AI and analytics to deliver tailored solutions, making it a leader in tech-driven strategy.
- Key Features:
- Leader in IT and digital strategy.
- Global reach in 120+ countries.
- Strong AI and analytics capabilities.
- Focus on operational efficiency.
- Innovative, tech-driven solutions.
- Extensive industry expertise.
11. Deloitte Strategy & Operations
- Founders: William Welch Deloitte
- Founded Year: 1845 (Strategy practice later)
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Product Categories: Strategy, Operations, M&A, Digital Transformation
- Description: Deloitte’s Strategy & Operations practice, part of the Big Four, delivers high-impact solutions across industries. With $11.5B in consulting revenue, it combines deep expertise with global scale, focusing on strategy, M&A, and digital transformations. Its client-centric approach and vast resources make it a powerhouse for complex challenges.
- Key Features:
- Big Four scale with strategy focus.
- Strong M&A and transformation expertise.
- Global network with vast resources.
- Client-centric, tailored solutions.
- Emphasis on digital and analytics.
- High-impact, cross-industry projects.
12. Simon-Kucher & Partners
- Founders: Hermann Simon, Eckhard Kucher
- Founded Year: 1985
- Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
- Product Categories: Pricing Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Digital Transformation
- Description: Simon-Kucher is a global leader in pricing strategy, with 2,000 employees across 38 offices. Specializing in revenue and profit growth, it helps clients optimize pricing and sales strategies. Its data-driven approach and industry expertise make it a go-to for sustainable growth, particularly in tech and consumer goods.
- Key Features:
- Global leader in pricing strategy.
- Focus on revenue and profit growth.
- Data-driven sales and marketing solutions.
- Strong presence in 38 offices.
- Expertise in tech and consumer sectors.
- Tailored, client-focused strategies.
13. OC&C Strategy Consultants
- Founders: Chris Outram, Chris Oddy
- Founded Year: 1987
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Product Categories: Strategy, M&A, Digital Transformation, Retail
- Description: OC&C Strategy Consultants, with 500 employees across 14 offices, excels in strategy and M&A, particularly in retail and consumer goods. Its independent, client-focused approach delivers tailored solutions for global clients. Despite challenges in France, OC&C’s commitment to rebuilding and expanding ensures its strong European presence.
- Key Features:
- Expertise in retail and consumer goods.
- Independent, client-centric approach.
- Strong M&A and strategy focus.
- Presence in 14 global offices.
- Tailored, high-impact solutions.
- Rebuilding efforts in key markets.
14. Alvarez & Marsal
- Founders: Tony Alvarez II, Bryan Marsal
- Founded Year: 1983
- Headquarters: New York City, NY, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Turnaround, Performance Improvement, M&A
- Description: Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global leader in turnaround and performance improvement, with a hands-on approach to leadership and results. Serving clients in 40+ countries, A&M’s 4,000+ employees tackle complex restructuring and strategic challenges, particularly in private equity and financial services, delivering actionable outcomes.
- Key Features:
- Leader in turnaround and restructuring.
- Hands-on, results-driven approach.
- Strong private equity expertise.
- Global presence in 40+ countries.
- Focus on performance improvement.
- Action-oriented strategic solutions.
15. Arthur D. Little
- Founders: Arthur Dehon Little
- Founded Year: 1886
- Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Innovation, Technology, Operations
- Description: Arthur D. Little, one of the oldest consulting firms, specializes in innovation and technology-driven strategies. With a global presence, it serves clients in industries like energy and telecom, blending cutting-edge research with practical solutions. Its 1,500 employees focus on sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
- Key Features:
- Pioneer in innovation consulting.
- Strong technology and R&D focus.
- Global expertise in energy and telecom.
- Practical, research-driven solutions.
- Long-standing industry legacy.
- Emphasis on sustainable growth.
16. FTI Consulting
- Founders: Dan Luczak, Joe Reynolds
- Founded Year: 1982
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Restructuring, Risk Management, M&A
- Description: FTI Consulting provides strategic and restructuring expertise across industries, with 7,000+ employees in 30+ countries. Known for crisis management and litigation support, it serves 80% of Fortune 500 companies. Its data-driven approach and global reach make it a trusted advisor for high-stakes challenges.
- Key Features:
- Expertise in crisis and litigation support.
- Serves 80% of Fortune 500.
- Strong restructuring and M&A focus.
- Global network in 30+ countries.
- Data-driven strategic insights.
- High-impact, client-focused solutions.
17. Advancy
- Founders: Eric de Bettignies
- Founded Year: 2009
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Product Categories: Strategy, Consumer Goods, Life Sciences, Chemicals
- Description: Advancy, a boutique strategy firm with 300 employees, focuses on consumer goods, life sciences, and chemicals. Headquartered in Paris, it delivers deep industry insights through nimble teams, serving global clients with a European flair. Its unique culture, including annual global trips, enhances its appeal for consultants.
- Key Features:
- Boutique focus on three key sectors.
- Deep industry-specific insights.
- Nimble, client-focused teams.
- Unique global team culture.
- Strong European market presence.
- High client satisfaction rates.
18. Clarkston Consulting
- Founders: Tom Greve, Neil Nelson
- Founded Year: 1991
- Headquarters: Durham, NC, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Digital Transformation, Technology Implementation
- Description: Clarkston Consulting, a boutique firm, specializes in life sciences, consumer products, and retail. With a client-centric approach, it achieves a 97% satisfaction rate, delivering tailored strategies and technology solutions. Its 300+ employees focus on industry expertise, making it a trusted partner for mid-sized and large clients seeking growth.
- Key Features:
- Boutique focus on life sciences and retail.
- 97% client satisfaction rate.
- Tailored strategy and tech solutions.
- Deep industry expertise.
- Client-centric, agile approach.
- Strong technology implementation focus.
19. Stax
- Founders: Rafi Musher
- Founded Year: 1994
- Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
- Product Categories: Strategy, Due Diligence, Value Creation, Private Equity
- Description: Stax, a global strategy firm, excels in commercial due diligence and value creation for private equity and technology clients. With offices in Boston, Chicago, and London, its 150+ employees deliver data-driven insights to drive growth and profitability. Celebrating 30 years in 2024, Stax continues to expand globally.
- Key Features:
- Leader in commercial due diligence.
- Strong private equity and tech focus.
- Data-driven, actionable insights.
- Global offices in key markets.
- 30 years of industry experience.
- Growth via Blue Point Capital investment.
20. Monitor Deloitte
- Founders: (Not applicable, part of Deloitte)
- Founded Year: 1983 (acquired by Deloitte in 2012)
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Product Categories: Strategy, Operations, Digital Transformation, M&A
- Description: Monitor Deloitte, Deloitte’s strategy arm, combines boutique strategy expertise with Big Four scale. Serving clients globally, it focuses on strategy, operations, and digital transformations, leveraging Deloitte’s vast resources. Its 1,500+ employees deliver high-impact solutions, particularly in M&A and innovation, for diverse industries.
- Key Features:
- Boutique strategy with Big Four resources.
- Strong M&A and digital focus.
- Global reach via Deloitte network.
- High-impact, innovative solutions.
- Expertise across diverse industries.
- Data-driven strategic approach.