The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
External Management Consulting Partner
Direct entry, assuming 15-20+ years in consultingSkills to master
- Client relationship management at the C-suite level, driving large-scale transformation engagements, business development, team leadership, and deep industry expertise.
You're ready to move on when
- Leading multi-million-pound consulting engagements for FTSE 100 clients.
- Proven ability to sell and deliver complex strategic projects.
- Managing a large team of consultants and fostering talent.
- Recognised thought leader in strategy or transformation.
- 2
Divisional CEO / Business Unit President
Direct entry, assuming 15-20+ years in a P&L leadership roleSkills to master
- Full P&L ownership, deep operational experience, market strategy, managing diverse functions (Sales, Marketing, Product, Operations), and reporting to a corporate board.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding revenue and profitability targets for a significant business unit.
- Successfully launching new products or entering new markets.
- Building and leading a high-performing executive team.
- Demonstrated ability to drive organic and inorganic growth.
- 3
Group Strategy Director / VP of Corporate Development
Internal progression or external hire, assuming 15-20+ years in corporate rolesSkills to master
- Corporate strategy formulation, M&A strategy and execution, investor relations, competitive intelligence, and working directly with the CEO and Board on strategic initiatives.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple strategic planning cycles for a large organisation.
- Played a key role in major M&A transactions or divestitures.
- Strong relationships with investment banks and private equity firms.
- Proven ability to influence executive-level decision-making.