McKinsey & Company

McKinsey & Company stands as the gold standard in management consulting, with a legacy of shaping business strategy and corporate leadership since 1926. Founded in Chicago by James O. McKinsey, a University of Chicago accounting professor, the firm pioneered the concept of using accounting principles as a management tool after witnessing inefficiencies in military suppliers during his work with the U.S. Army Ordnance Department. What began as 'James O. McKinsey & Company' has evolved into the world's most prestigious consulting firm, consistently ranked #1 in industry surveys.

The modern McKinsey was forged by Marvin Bower, who joined in 1933 and, following founder James McKinsey's unexpected death in 1937, resurrected the New York office and established the firm's enduring values and principles. Bower's vision transformed McKinsey from an accounting firm into a professional partnership modeled on law firms, emphasizing rigorous analysis, client confidentiality, and intellectual integrity. Under his leadership as managing director from 1950 to 1967, McKinsey expanded into Europe during the 1940s and 1950s and established the analytical rigor that became the firm's hallmark.

Today, McKinsey operates from over 130 offices across more than 70 countries, employing approximately 40,000 professionals—the largest headcount among the elite MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain). The firm generated approximately $16 billion in revenue in 2024, with an estimated 40% of projects being AI-related. McKinsey's capabilities span traditional strategy consulting, digital transformation through McKinsey Digital, AI and machine learning via QuantumBlack (acquired 2015), and technology strategy through McKinsey Technology, with more than 7,000 employees focused on digital or tech roles.

Under the leadership of Global Managing Partner Bob Sternfels, who was reelected in February 2024 for a second and final three-year term, McKinsey continues to serve as trusted advisor to the world's most influential organizations. The firm's jobs have a less than 1% acceptance rate, reflecting its position as the most selective employer in consulting. With its mission to 'help create positive, enduring change in the world' and commitment to 'building a great firm that attracts, develops, excites, and retains exceptional people,' McKinsey remains the definitive name in strategy consulting and the first choice for top talent and clients worldwide.