The Top 25 Consultants 2014: Paul Papas

"Over the last 12 months, I am most proud of creating the vision and strategy for, officially launching, and globally leading IBM Interactive Experience. This isn't just another consulting practice," Papas says. "We are boldly creating an entirely new category of service provider that brings together a unique combination of management consulting, digital agency, and systems integration capabilities. Our mission is to help companies transform by using digital, mobile, social, and analytics capabilities to deliver new experiences that drive growth."

Papas says he is fortunate to have what he calls the world's best team of brilliant and passionate professionals who wake up every morning eager to think of innovative ways to help clients.

"Together, we are on the front lines—taking charge of the forces shaping business in the 21st century," he says. "We are growing by helping our clients across every geography we operate in and every industry we serve."
In March of this year, IBM announced plans to commit more than $100 million to globally expand our Interactive Experience practice. As part of the investment, IBM will open 10 new IBM Interactive Experience labs around the world and add 1,000 employees, he says.

Ask Papas what he enjoys about his work and he'll give a one-word answer: Impact. "I love the impact my team and I have on our clients and the impact I have on the professional development of our people," Papas says. "I believe our goal in consulting can be summed up in four simple words: 'Help People Solve Problems.' "

To achieve this goal, Papas says he is fortunate to work at IBM with the "greatest team of innovators and problem solvers" in the world that includes consultants, creative designers, and researchers. "Together, we help the world's top business leaders solve their most complex problems," Papas says.

When it comes to the Top 25 Award, Papas says he has "dedicated his career to ensuring our clients, our firm, and our people are successful and I am both humbled and honored to be recognized for my efforts and achievements," he says. "It is a great reminder that IBM's commitments to client success and leadership development are truly world class."

What stands out the most about the work you do?

"Our work stands out because it is incredibly innovative and drives measurable business results for our clients. For example, we worked with Jaguar Land Rover to create a new virtual customer experience, which uses life-size virtual rendering and motion detection technology. And, one of our retail clients experienced a 200 percent increase in their online sales through the work our team did with them. I am inspired by how we combine the power of IBM's $6 billion per year Research organization with our consulting team to co-create new solutions. This year, our Interactive Experience team working with IBM Research announced six new inventions that were made with our clients. It's incredibly rewarding to know that together with our clients we're driving innovation to meet the needs of the 21st century customer."