McKinsey & Company elects Sander Smits as Managing Partner for Benelux
Global strategy consulting firm McKinsey & Company has appointed Sander Smits as Managing Partner of its Benelux operations.
The 45-year-old Dutchman was selected from a handful of senior partners by a selection committee that included company leaders including Global Managing Partner Bob Sternfels.
Smits has been with McKinsey & Company since 2004 and was promoted to Senior Partner in 2020. He currently leads the firm’s Advanced Industries practice in the Benelux and its Product Development offering across Europe.
He advises companies in the high-tech and semiconductor sectors on improving their strategy, performance, and operational efficiency. Smits also leads large-scale performance transformations that help organisations build stronger foundations for growth and competitiveness. A particular area of focus is research and development (R&D), where he supports clients in making product development more productive and innovative.
Recent client work includes optimising the product development process for a leading semiconductor manufacturer, transforming the R&D function of a global telecom equipment company, driving an R&D efficiency and effectiveness programme for a major power electronics business, and helping an industrial company enhance its performance on a global scale.
Commenting on his appointment, Smits said: “After 21 years at McKinsey, it’s an honour to take on the role of Managing Partner for our offices in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Since forming the Benelux region in 2022, we’ve strengthened our collective impact – delivering outstanding results for clients while fostering strong collaboration. I look forward to building on this unity.”
Smits succeeds Reinout Goedvolk, who held the role for three years and is now moving into a global practice leadership position within the firm.
“I’m deeply grateful to Reinout for his exceptional leadership over the past three years. His vision, integrity, and dedication have left our offices in a strong position and established a foundation that will serve us well into the future,” Smits added.
McKinsey employs over 700 people in the Benelux. The firm has earned a reputation as the region’s leading strategy consultancy, mirroring its global standing, although McKinsey has in recent years diversified into several other domains such as implementation and AI. Meanwhile, the firm is feeling the heat of rival Boston Consulting Group, which has outpaced McKinsey’s global growth in recent years.
Building on its strong heritage, Smits said he looks forward to leading the firm’s next chapter in the Benelux: “Our work has never been more essential. From navigating economic and geopolitical uncertainty to driving innovation, AI adoption, and large-scale skills development, we are committed to helping clients adapt, thrive, and make a lasting impact. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead.”
Before joining McKinsey, Smits worked as a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston and at Tohoku University in Japan. He holds advanced degrees in business, law, and theoretical physics.
