L.E.K. Consulting expands into South America with São Paulo, Brazil office

L.E.K. Consulting has expanded its footprint into South America with the opening of a new office in São Paulo, Brazil. Maurício França and Paulo Vandor, former consultants of McKinsey & Company and Monitor, have been appointed as Managing Partners of the Brazilian office.

With the opening of its new inaugural post in South America, L.E.K. Consulting grows its office base to 23 worldwide offices, with the move coming four months after the management consulting firm launched an on the ground operation in Seoul, South Korea.

“Thirty years ago, L.E.K.’s founders had a vision to create a global business that empowers business leaders to achieve exceptional results,” said Stuart Jackson, L.E.K.’s Global Managing Partner. “With robust demand for our consulting services in South America, we are pleased to now have a presence in one of that continent’s leading business centres.”

With a population of just under 12 million, São Paulo is the most populous city in Brazil, the world's 7th largest economy and the largest the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The city is too one of South America largest economic hubs and therefore serves as one of the most important bases for global consulting firms seeking a presence in the region. Other major consultancies with a base in São Paulo include McKinsey & Company, The Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company, as well as the Big Four.

Maurício França and Paulo Vandor

To lead the new arm, L.E.K. Consulting has brought two senior Spanish speaking natives on board. Maurício França was previously an investment director with EIA, a UAE sovereign wealth fund. Prior to that, he worked for Delta Partners and Everis, where he was a partner in the firm’s Management Consulting group.

He started his consulting career with McKinsey in Spain, and has 15 years of experience in strategy, M&A, governance and operational improvement programs at several firms. Paulo Vandor previously worked at Monitor in Brazil (now part of Monitor Deloitte) and McKinsey, serving clients in Brazil, Canada, the U.S., Europe, China and South Africa.

“Brazil is emerging as a business and investment hub in South America,” said Mr. França. “Companies place a premium on the analytic rigor L.E.K. is known for so the time is right to open an office to help clients advance their strategic and growth initiatives.” Vandor added, “There are many untapped opportunities in this market. Within this context, business leaders need to have credible advisors to bring ideas and innovative thinking to help them solve their biggest challenges. L.E.K. is committed to the region long term, as a complement to its existing global network.” 

L.E.K. Consulting’s São Paulo office will offer a range of offerings to clients, including Strategy, Mergers & Acquisition, Marketing & Sales, Organization and Operations. The office will work closely with the firm’s Boston office.

Reflecting on the ambitions in Brazil, Jackson stated, “Our goal is to build a long-term footprint in Brazil.”