Indian talent at the helm: Global consulting firms tap into Indian leaders to drive innovation and growth
McKinsey's managing partner in February 2024, Bob Sternfels faced the crucial decision of appointing a global leader of firm strategy to navigate the management consultancy through the pervasive impact of technology, the disruptive potential of AI and rapidly changing client demands.
His selection for the role was Ashutosh Padhi, an IIT-Kanpur and IIM-Ahmedabad alumnus.
“I chose Ashutosh Padhi, who led our North America business, to drive the innovation agenda that’s critical for the firm’s future. He is now in charge of ensuring we innovate our models rapidly,” Sternfels told ET a few days back.
Incidentally, Padhi’s name was also being discussed for Sternfels’ position in the initial election rounds.
EY’s newly elected boss Janet Truncale appointed fellow contender Raj Sharma, EY Americas Consulting vice chair who moved to the US after graduating in computer science from Birla Institute of Technology-Mesra, to the role of global managing partner for growth and innovation, a position crucial to the firm's future.
After taking over new roles, Sharma and Jad Shimaly, EY’s new global managing partner – client service, were in India a few days back.
“Raj led the US financial services consulting practice to market leadership and helped stabilise and scale a $10 billion tech consulting business before he moved to the new role,” said an EY India partner who was part of Sharma and Shimaly’s meetings in Mumbai. “Now, he has the mandate to drive EY's future growth in managed services, AI, sustainability, and global
