This Consulting Firm Is a 'CEO Factory.' See What It Is — and the Other 19 Companies That Produce the Most CEOs.More than 7% of employees at the top consulting firm go on to become CEOs.
Key Takeaways
- The top five companies were all management consulting firms.
- One sports league is also a breeding ground for CEOs.
Becoming aCEOtakes a combination of determination, strongmanagerial skillsand a hunger for growth. But a surprising factor could statistically determine your chances of ascending to the top post — where you previously worked.
According to data fromSanta Clara University, between 1992 and 2010, more than 20% of CEOs at S&P 1500 companies had previously worked at one of just 36 high-achieving companies. Colloquially known as "CEO factories," these competitive firms are a breeding ground for future top executives.
In arecent study, OnDeck used LinkedIn data to determine which companies stand above the rest when it comes to producing CEOs. Not surprisingly, the top five are management consulting firms — and McKinsey & Company tops the list. More than 7% of McKinsey employees go on to be CEOs. Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Kearney and Oliver Wyman round out the top five.
The National Football League follows these top consulting firms, with nearly 5% of its former employees going on to become CEOs — not surprising considering how manyformer athletesfound and lead companies post-retirement.
Goldman Sachs, Procter & Gamble and Porsche Cars North America also made the top 20. Read on to see the full list of the top 20 CEO factories.
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