BrazilBearingPoint’s partners re-elect global leader Kiumars Hamidian
Having steered the firm through another phase of growth and the current pandemic, BearingPoint’s partners have re-elected Kiumars Hamidian for a second term as Global Managing Partner.
Kiumars Hamidian received a major vote of confidence earlier this month, receiving “unanimous confidence” from BearingPoint’s leadership team, according to a statement released by the firm this morning.
Globally, BearingPoint has around 4,800 consultants and staff working from offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America. While the firm’s heritage* and sweet spot lies in Europe, BearingPoint has over the years expanded beyond the continent, and leveraging partnerships with like-minded counterparts the firm has access to a network of another 5,000 consultants worldwide.
Highlights of Hamidian’s first term include lifting the firm’s fee income and headcount (now around €760 million), leading four acquisitions and the spin-off of its RegTech business (backed by private equity), expanding the firm’s intellectual property and thought leadership, and accelerating the growth of firm’s digital portfolio to meet changing market demands.
Under his leadership, BearingPoint developed and launched its new five-year strategy (known internally as Strategy 2025), which outlines three main objectives for the period: outperforming the market every year, being a top three performer in the segments the firm is active in, and putting people at the centre of its culture and operations.
According to Hamidian, “Throughout the crisis, we have operated in line with our Strategy 2025, which shows we can succeed in a fast-changing world. Digitalisation and new ways of working have been dramatically accelerated, and 2020 reinforced our belief that we have the right platform for the future.”
Going forward, the re-appointed boss said he seeks to “continue on the current course” building on the firm’s “position of strength and values.”
German-origin Hamidian has been with the company for 25 years and since 2002 as a partner. Before taking over the top role, he was a member of the Management Committee (since 2016) and Global Leader of Service Lines, Regional Leader of Germany, Czech Republic and Romania, and responsible for BearingPoint’s innovation processes and venture activities.
Hamidian’s new term begins on September 1, 2021 and covers three years. His predecessor, Peter Mockler (who led the firm’s buyout), held the maximum of three terms in the office.
The news comes months after partners of consulting industry counterpart McKinsey & Company ousted their leader, opting against a double-term Global Managing Partner for the first time since 1976. The new leader, US-based Bob Sternfels, will take over the reins at the start of July.
* BearingPoint launched in its current form in 2009 following a European-led management buyout back. The firm’s roots however trace back over 100 years.
