Celebrating the 2026 Top Consultants Honorees
On April 23, 2026, Consulting Magazine revealed its distinguished list of 2026 Top Consultants, acknowledging a remarkable group of professionals who have made significant contributions to the consulting field, their firms, and clients. This announcement marks another year in recognizing the industry's most influential figures since its inception in 2000.
The selected honorees exhibit outstanding qualities such as innovation, high-level client service, and leadership skills necessary to drive change within their organizations. The 2026 awards reflect the evolving priorities within the consulting industry, emphasizing the need for professionals to adapt to advancements in technology, especially in artificial intelligence, and handle complex global transformations.
Traditionally, the Consulting Magazine honors individuals who have significantly influenced the consulting landscape, yet this year’s awards incorporated a new dimension by creating specific international categories. This inclusion of categories like Asia-Pacific Advisory, EMEA Advisory, Global Cross-Border Consulting, and International Project Leadership underscores the growing global nature of consulting and the profession's adaptability in an increasingly interconnected world.
Michael A. Webb, the Director of Consulting Magazine, emphasized this sentiment, stating, “The 2026 honorees represent the pinnacle of the consulting profession, demonstrating an unparalleled ability to navigate market shifts and deliver transformative results.” He highlighted the exceptional qualities of these honorees, portraying them as trusted advisors crucial to the industry's evolution amidst rapid technological advancements.
Among notable accolades, this year also celebrated Lifetime Achievement recipients, including Rahul Guha, the CEO of Cornerstone Research; Loren Trimble, CEO of AArete; and Alma Angotti, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting. Their long-standing leadership and commitment to excellence continue to set incredible benchmarks across the global consulting landscape.
In the dynamic realm of Analytics and AI Innovation, leaders such as Traci Gusher, the Americas AI Data Leader at EY, and Vikram Bhandari, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Riveron, were recognized. Their pioneering efforts underscore the significant role of data-driven decision-making in modern consulting paradigms.
The Strategy and Transformation category showcased senior professionals like Rob Henske, Senior Partner and Chairman of the Board at Roland Berger, and Greg Portell, Partner at Kearney. These leaders were acknowledged for their strategic guidance that has helped major organizations navigate structural changes brought on by evolving markets.
The talents of these remarkable professionals will be celebrated at the awards dinner held on June 25, 2026, in New York City. This event aims to gather executives and business leaders to honor those individuals who are setting the course for the profession's future.
For those interested, the complete list of 2026 honorees and award criteria can be accessed at
Consulting Magazine’s official event page.
2026 Top Consultants Honorees
The full list consists of leaders across various categories, each representing the forefront of their fields:
- - Analytics & AI Innovation: Michael Barnett, Vikram Bhandari, Traci Gusher
- - Asia-Pacific Advisory: Therese Juda, Siddharth Pathak
- - Cybersecurity & Risk Technology: Nick Britton, Justin Greis
- - Data Ethics & Responsible AI: Eric Maroyan, Sara Morris
- - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Sara Morris
- - EMEA Advisory: Scott M. Callan, David Dunn
- - Global Cross-Border Consulting: Hassan Al-Shama, Katerin Le Folcalvez
- - International Project Leadership: Alison MacDonald, Nathan Rubin
- - Lifetime Achievement: Rahul Guha, Alma Angotti, Loren Trimble
- - Pro Bono & Social Impact: Ryan McCormick
- - Strategy & Transformation: Rob Henske, Greg Portell
- - Talent & Workforce Transformation: Howard M. Guttman, Michael Peterman
The recognition of these consulting leaders draws attention to the importance of adaptability and innovative thinking necessary to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment. Their contributions and leadership will shape the future landscape of the consulting profession, reinforcing its essential role in aiding organizations to navigate complex challenges and transformations.