#4. Geoff Unwin, 57
Chief Executive Officer/Cap Gemini Ernst & Young
One way or another, Cap Gemini Group was going to get its global house in order, particularly in the United States, where its geographic presence lagged far behind the industry's consulting leaders. Geoff Unwin solved the Paris-based firm's problem earlier this year by spearheading the acquisition of Ernst & Young's consulting services.
"The Ernst & Young consulting [acquisition] is an extremely bold move in my view, and an extremely complicated move," says Unwin, who quickly offers credit to an acquisition team comprised of executives from both companies. "(This deal) was one in which the prize was definitely worth fighting for, because I think it will radically change the nature of the company."
Unwin may be understating the deal's impact. By having a Big Five consulting organization marry a global outsourcer, many believe the Cap deal finally turns consulting into a truly global contest. No one, perhaps, is more responsible for the historic nuptials than Unwin, a British executive who is today credited with having played a critical role in unifying the professional services giant in the wake of more than 50 different acquisitions.
Unwin was the former executive chairman of the Hoskyns Group PLC, a U.K.-based computer services company. When Hoskyns was acquired by Cap Gemini in 1990, Unwin became the company's vice chairman.
Under Unwin's leadership, Cap Gemini has emerged as a technology powerhouse in Europe — a fact underscored by having recently hatched alliances with a string of tech companies including Cisco Systems, Oracle Corp., and Nokia Networks.
The E&Y deal gives Cap Gemini, which will now have a strong foothold in both the U.S. and Europe, a multicultural advantage over its U.S-based competitors — even those with offices abroad.
"There are a number of companies which, quite frankly, have a monocultural view of the world. It has its advantages; it's very useful if you're selling consumer products. But in a people-based business, I'm not sure that's the best route to pursue," says Unwin. "We can absolutely encourage the best from any nationality and any culture. We are extremely strong with that. That's why it's a French company and you've got a Brit as the CEO."
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