Kearney has promoted company veteran Richard Forrest to Chair of its European business.

The London-based senior partner has been with the global strategy and management consulting firm since the turn of the century, holding several leadership roles during his tenure.

A global board member for the past six years, Forrest previously was the global leader of Kearney’s Sustainability practice and Energy industry vertical. He is the Chair of the firm’s Energy Transition Institute, which he established.

Forrest brings more than three decades of experience to the role, working mainly across the energy and chemicals sector, with a focus on strategies, large-scale transformation, and helping clients address the energy transition. He has advised and supported clients in more than 30 countries.

Internally, Forrest formed Kearney’s own M&A capability, leading multiple acquisitions for the firm in the past few years.

“I’m truly honoured to be taking on the role of Region Chair of Europe at Kearney. I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum as we engage with clients with even more boldness, curiosity, and passion,” said Forrest, who succeeds the Norwegian Geir Olsen, who led the region for the past six years.

“It has been an honour to lead the region and be part of our global leadership team over the past six years and work alongside such talented colleagues and clients. I am grateful for the massive support I had from a long list of Kearney leaders that served on my teams over these years,” Olsen reflected. He has now relocated to Portugal where he is a leader in the Lisbon office.

Commenting on the appointment, Alex Liu, the Managing Partner and Chairman of Kearney, said: “We are thrilled to announce Richard as our new Europe Region Chair. Richard has been an inspiring leader and catalyst for change as the global lead for sustainability at Kearney, developing global transformations that protect our planet and its people. We are excited to see his leadership expand and continue to drive meaningful change at Kearney and beyond.”