A.T. Kearney expands in Middle East with Qatar office

Further expanding its global presence as a major player in management consultancy, A.T. Kearney has entered into the Qatari market with a new office in Doha. The addition of the new office takes the firm’s tally up to 60 offices across 40 countries.

Headquartered in Chicago, A.T. Kearney is amongst the top management consulting firms in the world. The firm was founded in 1926, when Andrew Thomas Kearney, a Managing Partner at McKinsey & Company, left to launch his own consulting practice. Today, the firm has over 60 offices across the globe, helping clients with business improvements, using their expertise in strategy, management, and operational efficiency. 

In the Middle East, the firm currently runs its operations from offices in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Riyadh and Dubai, most of which sprung up between 2006 and 2007. As a result of this substantial presence in the region, the firm’s business seeped into most surrounding countries, particularly Qatar, where the consulting firm now boasts a substantial project portfolio.

In order to consolidate its presence in the country, and match their growing profile, A.T. Kearney has opened an office in Qatar, based in the Al Fardan Office Tower in Doha, where the firm will occupy the 25th floor. Marc Biosca, who wil act as Managing Partner for the local office, said of the new presence, . "With the opening our new office in Doha, we will be even closer to our clients when supporting the development and implementation of their strategies and the realisation of their ambitions."

Local Operations 

A major part of the motivation behind A.T.Kearney’s entry into the market is to participate in the major transformational efforts that the country is going through in accordance with the ‘Qatar National Vision 2030.’ In essence, the Qatari government hopes to become an international industrial hub, primarily by way of upscaling local businesses, for the purpose of which consulting firms are now in high demand.

The demand for consultants is reflected in the growth of the consulting market in the country. Second only to Saudi Arabia in the region, Qatar has one of the most vibrant consulting industries in the country, currently valued at $232 million, and projected to grow in double digits over the next few years. 

Managing Director at A.T. Kearney in the Middle East, Dan Starta, said of the future of his firm in the country, "As a country, Qatar is undergoing accelerated growth in a compressed timeframe, something we call 'hyper speed evolution'. This kind of rapid growth and maturity calls for strong leadership, strategic foresight and flawless implementation - something A.T. Kearney enables by providing our strong deployment approaches and forward looking insights to our clients."

In terms of staffing, a number of senior professionals working at the firm’s other locations have been stationed in Doha to form a strong leadership team. In addition, the firm will foster local talent as well. As elaborated by Johan Aurik, Global CEO of the firm, “We plan to recruit Qatari and non-Qatari workforce.” In terms of local talent, Aurik said that the firm would partner with educational institutions in the are and “recruit the best young local talent.”

Vision 2020

‘Vision 2020’ is the global action plan for A.T.Kearney over the next year. The firm aims to generate revenues of over $2 billion and operate with a staff of 6,000 professionals by the year 2020.

* Saudi Arabia is the largest consulting market in the Middle East ($791 million), followed by the UAE ($553 million).