Third Stage Consulting Group expands into European market
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and digital transformation consulting firm Third Stage Consulting Group has expanded into the European market with the launch of a new office in Maidenhead, UK.
Founded last year by ERP expert Eric Kimberling, Denver-based Third Stage Consulting helps clients select and implement ERP software and digital transformation initiatives. The technology-agnostic firm aims to offer unbiased advisory services in enterprise software, delivering the best fit for each client from a software roster which includes SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce, among others.
Founder Eric Kimberling has more than 20 years of advisory experience in the ERP field. He previously founded and ran ERP consultancy Panorama Consulting Solutions. Before that, he was consulting manager at IT services firm SchlumbergerSema, and a senior consultant at PwC.
An expert in project management, organizational change management, and ERP implementation and evaluation, Kimberling is often quoted in leading publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Fortune. He has supported many high-profile clients over his career, including Boeing, Coors, Samsonite, and Kodak.
After seeing promising growth in its first year, Third Stage has expanded into Europe with an office in Maidenhead, UK (30 miles west of London). The firm has hired on Stuart Robb as vice president, Europe, to drive Third Stage’s growth in the European market.
Robb brings more than 20 years of experience in digital transformation delivery to the role. He previously held senior consulting roles at EY and Capgemini, and has led ERP implementations for clients across a diverse range of industries, including financial services, telecommunications, and government.
“Stuart’s appointment is the next significant step for us in our bid to extend our capability internationally,” Kimberling said. “This move strengthens our ability to help businesses across the US and Europe deliver transformational benefits from their digital initiatives. Stuart’s experience leading enterprise change across the entire target operating model will cement our reputation as the first-choice provider of advisory, selection, implementation, and assurance services in the ERP space.”
Robb added, “Third Stage is one of the very few fully independent consulting firms that’s entirely focused on delivering digital and ERP business transformations. I’m extremely excited to become part of the Third Stage family and to bring their insight, methods and independent approach to the UK and European market.”
The UK is a natural foothold for US consultancies entering the European market, owing in part to similar business cultures and a common language. The weakened pound and consulting opportunities stemming from Brexit provide further incentives.
Transformation consultancy Change 4 Growth recently set up shop in London, while Slalom opened a new office in Manchester. Consultant matching platform Catalant, meanwhile, expanded into the UK last year, opening an office in London.