New research highlights a growing trend within Germany’s leading corporations, revealing a significant presence of former management consultants in key leadership roles. Two studies, commissioned by the Handelsblatt and conducted by the University of Göttingen and the Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI), demonstrate this expanding influence.
The findings indicate that nearly one-third of supervisory board members across the 40 Dax-listed companies have a background in consulting. This presence extends to the executive leadership as well; approximately one in five Dax board members previously gained experience or worked at leading management consulting, auditing and advisory firms.
The studies suggest a deepening integration of consulting expertise within the governance and strategic direction of Germany’s largest businesses, signaling a continued reliance on perspectives and approaches from the consulting sector. The research offers a detailed examination of the evolving composition of corporate leadership within the Dax index.
