Christoph Schweizer succeeds Rich Lesser as BCG's CEO
Big Three strategy firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has named Christoph Schweizer, a 23-year veteran of the firm, as chief executive officer. Schweizer succeeds Rich Lesser, who becomes global chair after completing three terms and nine years as CEO.
The Boston-headquartered consulting firm’s nearly 1,500 managing directors and partners voted to elect Schweizer as CEO effective October 1, 2021. He will be the firm’s seventh CEO since its founding in 1963.
Schweizer, currently based in Munich, has since 2017 been the head of BCG’s Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East operations, overseeing 23 countries representing 30% of the firm’s revenues. Before that, he spent three years as head of BCG’s global practice areas and three years as head of the global healthcare practice.
During his career, Schweizer has supported major companies on transformational programs, including digital transformation and post-merger integration, with a focus on the healthcare sector. He has completed consulting engagements on every continent.
Schweizer joined BCG in 1997 after receiving an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He also holds a BA from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.
"I'm incredibly grateful to our partners for the trust they've placed in me to lead this world-class organization as we enter a new chapter of unprecedented change, challenge, and opportunity for our clients and for the world," said Schweizer. "It's an honor to build on Rich's incredible legacy of growth and expansion of capabilities, and in leading BCG with such integrity.”
Under Lesser’s tenure as CEO, BCG tripled its revenues and more than doubled its workforce to over 22,000 employees, according to a press release from the firm. The company also expanded its footprint from 42 to 51 countries.
Lesser oversaw diversity initiatives that have boosted women to 44% of global staff and 35% of the firm’s executive committee. The company also made a strong pivot to digital and technology strategy consulting, with the launch and scaling of BCG Gamma and BCG Digital Ventures. Fees from technology, digital, and analytics now represent 40% of BCG’s revenues, up from less than 10% less than a decade ago.
“I've had the pleasure of working closely with Christoph as he has successfully built strong, diverse teams and robust, resilient businesses in a wide range of countries around the world, as well as cutting-edge capabilities in our practices," said Lesser. "It's been an honor to lead BCG, and I look forward to continuing to serve our clients, our people, and our purpose as global chair."
Hans-Paul Bürkner, BCG's current chairman, will become global chair emeritus and managing director.
