The most memorable projects for Richard Forrest are a bit like “Mission: Impossible”—the starting point may not be ideal, yet the solution and the outcome are.

At Kearney, Richard is the Europe Region Chair. He founded the firm’s global sustainability efforts, an area that is both a key challenge and opportunity for clients across all regions and sectors. His international experience across more than 30 countries includes working across the energy and chemicals sector, with a focus on large-scale transformation and helping clients address the energy transition. Richard is also chair of both the Kearney Energy Transition Institute and an innovative technology start-up accelerating the adoption of EVs.

Well known for driving global transformations, large-scale integrations, and distinctive strategies for our clients, he also formed Kearney’s internal M&A capability, leading multiple acquisitions for the firm in the past few years.

“Most companies have set ambitious sustainability targets as part of their broader transformation efforts, but many are finding the scale and pace of action required to achieve them a challenge,” Richard says. “This is where Kearney comes in—we help turn those ambitions into reality. We help make a difference.”

He selected Kearney out of business school after meeting many of the people at the firm and seeing the unique chemistry and bond. And he’s stayed in large part because of the freedom the firm gives its people to pursue their passion.

“There’s a large degree of freedom, you have flexibility,” Richard says. “It’s something I hear from other colleagues, too—you’re not put in a box and expected to stay there.”

Education

MBA, Cranfield School of Management
MEng, Chemical Engineering, University of Nottingham

Sustainability

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