Andrew Thomas Kearney
Andrew Thomas "Tom" Kearney | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1892 |
| Died | 1962-01-11 Passavant Memorial Hospital, Chicago |
| Occupation | Management consultant |
| Known for | Founder of Kearney consulting firm |
Andrew Thomas "Tom" Kearney (1892–1962) established Kearney, recognized as one of the longest-standing management consulting firms globally.
Biography
Three years following the establishment of James O. McKinsey's firm, McKinsey & Company, in 1926, Andrew Thomas Kearney became a member. He was the inaugural partner under McKinsey and managed the firm's first branch located in Chicago. During this period, McKinsey & Company concentrated on providing management consulting services aimed at senior executives rather than focusing on niche areas such as accounting or legal services.
Following McKinsey's sudden passing in 1937, internal disputes among partners resulted in a division in 1939. Kearney assumed control of the Chicago office and renamed it "McKinsey, AT Kearney & Company." In 1947, he transferred the rights to the "McKinsey" name to Marvin Bower and subsequently rebranded his enterprise as AT Kearney & Company. Upon his retirement in 1961, James Phelan took over as managing partner.
Kearney passed away on January 11, 1962, at Passavant Memorial Hospital in Chicago and was interred at Rosehill Cemetery.
He stressed that the effectiveness of consulting relies heavily on the fundamental correctness of recommendations and the ability to persuade decision-makers of their merit.