A.T. Kearney's Changing of the Guard: After Six Years in Charge, Johan Aurik Reflects on the Firm He's Handing Off to Alex Liu

Earlier this year, Alex Liu was elected the ninth Managing Partner and Chairman of A.T. Kearney.  On May 1, he officially took over for Johan Aurik, who had served in that role for the last six years—two consecutive terms. Aurik joined A.T. Kearney more than 30 years ago "before we even had computers," he said. After a well deserved sabbatical this summer, Aurik will assume his role as Partner and Chairman Emeritas where he'll continue to manage some of the firm's biggest client relationships but will "cherish the freedom" he has. Aurik sat down with Consulting to discuss his career, his time as Managing Partner, lessons learned form the EDS "debacle" and the current status of the firm he's passing off to Liu.

Consulting: Can you tell me about the transition taking place right now as Alex takes over?

Aurik: Transitioning is real experience, I can tell you. You can actually feel the weight coming off your shoulders little by little. You feel it every day; I can assure you. It's beginning to happen slowly and it's kind of nice. This summer I will take a sabbatical to sort of exhale and reflect a bit more, and it's been a long time since I've done that in any real way. I've been in this firm for over 30 years, a Partner for 20 and I was Managing Partner for six years, serving two consecutive terms. Before that I was running EMEA, so for ten straight years I've had a senior leadership role in the firm. It's time for a break.