How a string of scandals forced out the boss of McKinsey
Management consultancy has acted as a “CEO farm” for decades, but is facing tough questions over its role in the US opioid crisis
25 February 2021 • 6:32pm
A management consultant is someone who asks for your watch and then tells you the time, according to an old joke at least.
Despite widespread cynicism about consultants’ value, big business has always been willing to pay for advice from McKinsey.
The prestigious firm is a CEO farm, cultivating generations of business and government leaders from Sir Charlie Mayfield, the former John Lewis chairman to Tidjane Thiam, the deposed Credit Suisse boss.
John Lewis could shut a fifth of its 42 remaining stores, as negotiations with landlords are said to be ongoing and hundreds of jobs are reportedly at risk. In an effort to save £300m per year.