George Cogan
Partner
Bain & Company
Excellence in Technology
George Cogan, a Partner with Bain & Company, says the past year has been extraordinary. Why? "The retiring CEO of one of my long term and probably favorite clients of all time recently told me we had made a big and positive difference at his company," he says. "Those comments made me especially proud."
Over the last 24 years, Cogan has had many successful clients, of course, who have chosen to work with his teams. That work has focused on the intersection of technology strategy and business strategy. As leader of Bain's Global Technology Practice, Cogan's primary focus is on client service and building multi-year enduring client relationships in the technology sector.
"I suppose my work reflects who I am. I am naturally curious and I like to ask questions, look at things from many angles and to constantly learn new things. I consider myself to be a good strategist, but also to have good practical 'street smarts' and good listening skills," he says. "I don't seek the lime light, in fact I am happier working behind the scenes."
But even behind the scenes, it's hard not to notice the impact Cogan has had on Bain and its clients. Prior to leading Bain's Global Technology Practice, Cogan led the practice in the Americas, where he grew the practice 16 percent annually over his six years. He also founded the Semiconductor Practice at Bain and served as its global head from 2006 to 2009, and he was also one of the founders the Silicon Valley Office, which now accounts for over 50 percent of Bay Area revenue for Bain.
Cogan says he has been "lucky to be surrounded by smart and motivated people," at Bain and credits the firm for his success. "Bain is a special place where I have been allowed, to a large degree, to shape my professional development path that has been suited to my goals for a career in consulting," he says. "I continue to be thankful to my Bain family for that opportunity. I want to make a difference in everything that I do. I would like to be a positive force for change."
Meanwhile, outside of work, Cogan says he is passionate about science education and has been on the Exploratorium Board for 15 years. The Exploratorium is a globally recognized science center considered the progenitor of the global hands-on science center movement.
This past April, after nine years of planning, fundraising and construction, we completed an expansion and move to a new $300 million, nine-acre campus in downtown San Francisco. "The move will multiply its local impact by doubling attendance,' he says. " Beyond the walls, the move enables it grow by three to 10 times through increasing teacher professional development programs, growing exhibit R&D and sales, and a growing virtual presence in mobile apps and on the Internet."
Q&A: What motivates you to excel?
"I want to make a difference in everything that I do.
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