Gautam Kumra is a prominent figure in the corporate world, serving as the Chairman of McKinsey & Company’s offices in Asia. In this influential role, he oversees McKinsey’s operations in several key regions, including Australia, India, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Gautam’s tenure with McKinsey spans an impressive 30 years, during which he has made significant contributions to the firm’s success and worked closely with a diverse clientele.
EDUCATION
In terms of his education, Gautam Kumra holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, earned in 1993. He also obtained a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, in 1991. These educational credentials have provided a strong academic foundation to complement his extensive professional experience, enabling him to excel in leadership roles and make significant contributions to McKinsey & Company’s global operations.
CAREER
Gautam’s expertise encompasses various domains, including growth strategy, organizational transformation, leadership development, and governance. Notably, he has been particularly focused on the Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals sectors, making substantial contributions to these fields. However, his extensive experience extends to all major sectors of the economy, including industrial, financial, and technology sectors.
A noteworthy aspect of Gautam’s career is his service on McKinsey’s Shareholder’s Council, the highest decision-making body of the organization, which effectively functions as its board of directors. In this capacity, he has played a pivotal role in setting strategic direction and policies for the company.
Before taking on the role of Managing Partner for McKinsey’s India offices in 2017, Gautam led McKinsey’s People & Organizational Performance Practice in Asia. He is recognized as one of the key thought leaders behind the firm’s research and insights on transformational change. His passion for developing CEO leadership led to the establishment of the McKinsey Leadership Institute in December 2013. Additionally, Gautam is the founder of the Bower Forum, a unique platform that brings CEOs and business owners together to counsel and learn from fellow leaders. He leads this forum in Asia, where he has convened sessions with over 100 CEOs, aiding them in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for leadership development and personal growth.
Gautam Kumra’s recent work includes the co-authorship of MGI’s 2021 report, “India’s Turning Point: An Economic Agenda to Spur Growth and Jobs,” alongside Anu Madgavkar and Shirish Sankhe. This report outlines essential actions required to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, revive the Indian economy’s high-growth trajectory, and create gainful employment opportunities for 90 million workers by 2030.
Beyond his professional roles, Gautam is deeply passionate about supporting institutions in their journey toward becoming global and world-class organizations. He has been a founding board member of the Public Health Foundation of India and has served on its board for a decade. Gautam also plays an active role on the governing board of IIM Bodh Gaya, an autonomous institute of management education established in 2015 in eastern India. Furthermore, he is a founding board member of the IIT Delhi Endowment Board and is a member of the Global Advisory Council of the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts in New York.
