Michaël Kolk leads ADL's Technology & Innovation practice

Global management consultancy Arthur D. Little has appointed the Dutchman Michaël Kolk as the new global leader of its Technology & Innovation Management practice.

A near two decade veteran at the consulting firm, having previously worked for Shell, Kolk is already one of Arthur D. Little’s leaders in its Technology & Innovation Management wing. He has worked with clients on all aspects of innovation and innovation performance enhancement, from growth acceleration and R&D portfolio management to innovation excellence, applying digital technology and agile approaches. 

Kolk, who was promoted to partner in 2014, advises clients across industries, with a focus on the chemicals, industrial materials, oil & gas, medical technology sectors, and other technology-intensive industries. 

Alongside his client work, Kolk has over the years built a reputation as a thought leader around innovation management. One of the most recent thought pieces he co-authored was a study on emerging technologies that are set to transform the innovation management landscape. Earlier, he conducted research into the benefits of ‘hyper-collaboration’ in innovation ecosystems and penned a PRISM viewpoint on how innovation is increasingly shaping the future of successful business strategies.

Based in Amsterdam, Kolk now leads the TIM practice and will work with Arthur D. Little’s regional teams across its footprint in 40+ countries to serve the firm’s diversified client base. He will also oversee thought leadership, practice development and the arm’s human capital agenda. 

The Dutchman succeeds Englishman Rick Eagar, who served Arthur D. Little – the world’s oldest management consultancy – for thirty years and has retired from the firm. Eagar, who in a dual role was also Chief Innovation Officer of Arthur D. Little, has meanwhile been recognised as a Partner Emeritus for his long service and valuable contribution to the firm.

Ignacio García Alves, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Arthur D. Little, said, “I’d like to thank Rick Eagar for his contribution over the course of his long career with the firm.” On Kolk: “Thanks to his experience and thought leadership, Michaël is the right person to further grow our Technology & Innovation Management practice.”

Kolk himself said, “I feel deeply honoured to take over the helm. Enabling innovation has never been more important for organisations – at a time of digitalisation and enormous change, it is those companies that successfully manage their investment, ecosystem, and capabilities that will thrive. Working closely with the team I look forward to collaborating with our clients to help them realise their innovation ambitions.”

Michaël Kolk holds a master of science degree in biochemistry from the University of Amsterdam, and a PhD in biophysical chemistry from Radboud University.