Reading through the hundreds of nominations we get for the Top 25 Consultants each year is among the most interesting work we do here at Consulting magazine. It's often refreshing to read testimonials from supervisors, co-workers and clients about the extraordinary efforts of everyday consultants. Choosing just 25 is always the most difficult task.
This year, however, was a little different. It's not that it was any easier to choose the winners—in fact it may have been more difficult that any of us ever remember. (In fact, for the first time ever, we had no firm with more than one representative in the Top 25.) The reason this year felt so different is because of the dire straits many of the clients—and many consultancies themselves—find themselves in. There's simply no doubt that in 2009, the term "trusted advisor" means just a little bit more.
The consultants and firms that helped to move the needle in this economy are the ones that rose to the top. They are the Class of 2009, and individually, their stories are inspiring. Collectively, their stories are awesome and bring into focus the power of the profession. All of their stories are contained in a special 22-page section beginning on Page 14.
This year's Top 25 is headlined by Jim Bramante, managing partner, North America for IBM Global Business Services. Jim's efforts have helped shift Big Blue into a services-first organization. Because of his leadership, IBM's business was up 17 percent and realized record revenues in 2008. Another consultant being recognized in the Leadership category is Bryan Marsal, co-founder and co-CEO of Alvarez & Marsal. Bryan served as chief restructuring officer for Lehman Brothers' $651 billion bankruptcy, the largest in U.S. history.
This year, we made a few significant changes to the Top 25. We began recognizing consultants in specific client industries. We choose industries that are seeing (or will soon see) significant changes—healthcare, energy, public sector, technology, retail and financial services.
In addition, we'll be honoring the Top 25 in person at a gala awards dinner on June 17 in New York. This will be the first year of what will be become an annual event, and you can look for editorial coverage of the awards dinner in the July/August issue of Consulting magazine.
One other first: This year, we're awarding an Honorary Top 25 in memory of Deloitte Consulting's Bob Koudelka. Bob passed away in 2008 and was nominated posthumously by the leadership of Deloitte Consulting for his impact on both the firm and the profession.
Joseph Kornik
Editor-in-Chief
jkornik@consultingmag.com
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