Paris – Nov. 6, 2018 – Olivier Marchal, chair of Bain & Company France, has been named to Consulting magazine’s“Global Leaders in Consulting” list in the category of Excellence in Influence. 

Olivier is currently chair of the firm’s French operations.  Prior to this, he served as managing director of Bain’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).  He assumed the role amid a wave of global economic turmoil but, over the next five years, expanded the firm’s footprint across EMEA, opening new offices in, Poland, Turkey, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Frankfurt, Oslo, and Copenhagen, and delivering 50 percent revenue growth.

From 2001 to 2008, Olivier served as managing partner of the Paris office.  He took on this responsibility at the peak of another global economic downturn, but delivered significant results, increasing revenues by 238 percent and headcount among partners and consulting staff by 110 percent and 128 percent, respectively.  He also boosted the firm’s competitive position from #7 to #3 in the market and led the opening of a new Bain office in Dubai – establishing the firm’s footprint in the Middle East. 

“Olivier has been a tremendous force for Bain & Company’s growth in France and across Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA), as well as a highly sought-after advisor to his colleagues and clients,” said Paul Meehan, regional managing partner for EMEA.  “On behalf of the entire firm, I am thrilled to congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”  

A leader in Bain's Retail and Private Equity practices, Olivier has led assignments in a variety of industries including consumer goods, retail, industrial services, and transportation. Olivier's consulting experience covers mergers & acquisitions, corporate strategy, growth strategies and cost reduction. He is also works with investments funds on investment idea generation, strategic due diligence and portfolio company improvement.

He joined the firm in 1986 and worked successively in London and Brussels before returning to Paris.

“I am at once honored and humbled to receive this recognition from Consulting magazine,” said Mr. Marchal.  “I have had the great fortune of working for a highly supportive firm and with colleagues who continue to challenge me.  I share this award with all of them as a ‘thank you’ for their support over the years.” 

Outside of Bain, Olivier is vice president and board member of Consult’in France, the French Association of Management Consulting.  He leads a multi-year initiative to communicate French consultants’ views on the country’s economy and competitiveness. He is also a board member of “Cercle des Presidents,” which convenes presidents of the French subsidiaries of some of the largest multinational companies and French ministers to enhance France’s image overseas.  As part of these initiatives focused on French attractiveness, Olivier had the opportunity to present his views to both Presidents Hollande and Macron. 

He is frequently featured on topics related to the French economy, competitiveness and market dynamics in international media outlets such as CNN, Bloomberg and CNBC.

Olivier sits on the board of Positive Planet, a French NGO that addresses the challenges of poverty in the world. Additionally, he actively supports several other non-profit associations focused on gender diversity and education.

He earned his MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a John Boyer scholar, and is a graduate of Essec in France.

Olivier and his fellow honorees will be recognized at a dinner on December 6 in London.

Coverage of the honorees and the event appears in Consulting magazine’s January 2019 issue (www.consultingmag.com). Consulting is published by ALM, a global leader in specialized industry news and information.

Editor’s Note:  To arrange an interview with Mr. Marchal, please contact Dan Pinkney at dan.pinkney@bain.com or +1 646 562 8102                                                                                             

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