The Top 25 Consultants, 2010

The annual Top 25 Consultants issue is here, and not a moment too soon. Editors just can’t get enough of this issue; or more specifically, reading the nearly 400 nominations we receive for this award each year. It’s a wonderful exercise for anyone who has ever doubted the value of the consulting profession. Who wouldn’t want to read 400 consulting success stories written by co-workers, colleagues, clients and C-level executives.

The stories, of course, are inspiring every year. But in 2010, many of them revolved around the “trusted advisor” concept a bit more than previous years. Crisis brings out the best in consultants, and we had plenty to go around lately. While client budgets were strapped, their need for advisory work was greater than ever.

As usual, the profession answered the call. Time and time again, you stepped up to the plate and got the work done, often under difficult conditions when clients demanded more from consultants than ever before. They wanted results, and they wanted them better, faster and often cheaper than ever before. You delivered on all of the above. More than a few consulting firms had to trim staff in 2009, and many of you have worked harder over the last 12 months than at any point in your career.

Industrywide, utilization rates are at record levels, which makes the client satisfaction results all the more impressive. In this special 24-page section, we highlight the best of the best. The Top 25 Consultants of 2010 are recognized for extraordinary efforts in client service and leadership, as well as outstanding achievements in six client industries—healthcare, energy, public sector, technology, retail and financial services.

And, just for good measure, we’ll honor each award recipient in person at our annual Top 25 Awards Dinner on June 17 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York.