Demonstrating the firm’s growing stature within the global strategy consulting group, Roland Berger’s Middle East practice took a quarter of the cut of all partner appointments in the firm’s latest bi-annual global meeting, even outranking powerhouse markets Germany and France in the process.

Twice a year, all partners of Roland Berger find their way to the firm’s global meeting, with leadership appointments one of the key topics on the agenda (alongside topics such as strategy, acquisitions, and investments).

The latest meeting was one of the firm’s most joyful in years, following 15% growth in 2022 to hit record revenues of €850 million. While the Middle East represents a quite small part of that stake, the region is among the fastest growing units – which in turn culminated into the region taking home more than a quarter of all partner-level appointments.

In Europe, Roland Berger appointed six partners and senior partners, in Asia four were elevated, and in the Middle East, Arvind CJ and Mario Sanchez joined the partnership, while veteran partners Michael Caracache and Vatche Kourkejian were made senior partner.

The Dutchman Rene Seyger, Managing Partner of Roland Berger in the Middle East, said that he is extremely proud of the recognition, both for the Middle East team as well as for the four individuals. “2022 was an excellent year of growth for us, globally and in the Middle East. We’ve exceeded our expected growth in the region.”

“After such an excellent performance of the team in 2022, the whole management team is extremely pleased to see the professional developments of all our colleagues,” he added, noting that the firm promoted a record number of consultants across its ranks, including five to principal level.

The new principals are: Laurids Aigner, Taha Benali, Niklas Jovy, Alejandro Longueira Ramirez and Borja Velayos.

Introducing the new (senior) partners and principals:

  • Michael Caracache
    Level: Senior Partner
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2010
    Office: Riyadh
    Areas of expertise: Public Sector, Healthcare, Pharma
    Study: American University of Beirut / TUM / INSEAD

    On his appointment, Caracache said: “I am truly looking forward to take our public sector practice to new highs guided by a clear vision and leveraging our solid foundations and track record in the market! Positioned at the heart of the ongoing economic transformation, our public sector practice remains committed to delivering high-profile projects of national impact.”

  • Vatche Kourkejian
    Level: Senior Partner
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2007
    Office: Dubai
    Areas of expertise: Energy, Manufacturing, Infrastructure
    Study: American University of Beirut

    On his appointment, Kourkejian said: “I am honoured by the trust bestowed on me by my international colleagues to further strengthen our position at the center of the energy transition in the Middle East. I am very excited and look forward to continue advising our clients in the investing in and developing the green energy space, together with my team of ambitious, passionate and expert consultant colleagues.”

  • Arvind CJ
    Level: Partner
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2012
    Office: UAE
    Areas of expertise: Automotive, Mobility
    Study: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

    On his appointment, CJ said:  ‘Automotive has always been my passion and getting to build this industry in Middle East is quite the rewarding experience. From establishing a vehicle manufacturing plant to driving disruptions in the mobility solutions, the topics in this region seem to get more exciting everyday. I look forward to drive the growth in this sector and in reaching new heights.”

  • Mario Sanchez
    Level: Partner
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2015
    Office: Dubai
    Areas of expertise: Sustainability, with a focus on waste management, circular economy and recycling
    Study: Universidad Politécnica of Madrid

    On his appointment, Sanchez said: “I’m very excited to join our firm’s global partnership – going forward, I will continue to work together with our clients, the main public stakeholders and private sector companies, implementing the principles of Circular Economy in the Middle East.”

  • Laurids Aigner
    Level: Principal
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2016
    Office: Doha
    Areas of expertise: Corporate Performance, Post-Merger Integration
    Study: ESCP Business School

  • Taha Benali
    Level: Principal
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2019
    Office: Dubai
    Areas of expertise: Financial Services
    Study: ESCP Business School

  • Niklas Jovy
    Level: Principal
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2014
    Office: Doha
    Areas of expertise: Performance and Maritime
    Study: University of St. Gallen

  • Alejandro Longueira Ramirez
    Level: Principal
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2020
    Office: Dubai
    Areas of expertise: Energy and Renewable Energy
    Study: IESE Business School

  • Borja Velayos
    Level: Principal
    Has been with Roland Berger since: 2021
    Office: Dubai
    Areas of expertise: Mergers & Acquisitions, Commercial Due Diligence, Consumer Goods
    Study: IESE Business School

Globally, Roland Berger has over 3,000 staff working from 50+ offices worldwide. The firm was founded in 1967 by namesake Roland Berger.



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