A survey of 725 consulting partners across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific finds pay holding firm as AI reshapes the industry, while those considering a move look to corporate leadership and private equity operating roles. The findings sharpen the focus on how firms hire, integrate and retain consulting partners.
LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Globally, consulting partners report being well paid and expect to be paid more, according to The Barton Partnership's 2026 Partner Compensation Reports, which include perspectives of 725 partners across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific (APAC) at Strategy Consulting (including McKinsey, BCG and Bain), Big 4, Large Multi-Disciplinary and Boutique firms. At the same time, up to a third say they may move beyond their consulting partner role within the next three years, most often into corporate leadership positions.
An overview of key findings:
- Pay expectations remain strong. 60% of partners in North America and APAC, and 53% in Europe, expect their compensation to increase over the next 12 months, after a year in which 84% in Europe and 75% in North America saw no reduction to earnings.
- Up to a third are open to careers beyond consulting. 31% in North America, 25% in APAC and 23% in Europe say they may move beyond consulting within the next three years. Partners in Europe (27%) and APAC (30%) most often cite reduced confidence in the consulting model, rather than pay, as their main reason for considering a move. In North America, the two rank equally (24% each).
- Corporate leadership is the most likely next step. Among those considering a change, corporate general management tops the list in every region (27% to 29%), followed by a move to another consulting firm (21% to 27%). Between 12% and 16% point to Operating Partner roles, which help private equity firms improve the companies they own, or Chief Transformation Officer roles.
The findings come as AI tops the agenda for consulting partners, with 71% of partners in North America, 69% in Europe and 64% in APAC naming it a critical challenge.
Integrating consulting partners becomes a priority
With experienced partners moving between firms and into new roles, how firms hire, integrate, develop and retain partners has become a commercial priority. In Europe, 29% of partners report higher-than-expected partner attrition, up from 18% in 2024, while 27% of partners in Europe and APAC identify promoting the next wave of partners as a critical challenge.
"Consulting partners are some of the most sought-after leaders in the market, and their pay continues to reflect that," said Oliver Phoenix, CEO of The Barton Partnership. "As AI and margin pressure change how firms deliver and price consulting work, partners are thinking carefully about where their experience creates the most value, whether that is in another firm, in corporate leadership or in an operating role in private equity."
The reports point to a shift in what keeps senior talent in place, with pay being only one part of the equation.
"For consultancies, access to high-performing senior talent is the most important source of competitive advantage, which makes partner integration a core part of the business," said Phoenix. "Whether hiring a lateral partner or developing their own, firms that invest in thoughtful onboarding, transparent reward and a clear path to ownership will have the edge in attracting and keeping the leaders who drive their growth."
The reports also provide benchmark partner compensation by firm type, tenure, sub-region and ownership structure, alongside equity structures, attrition, working practices and benefits in each market.
To download the reports, go to: https://www.thebartonpartnership.com/blog/2026/10/the-barton-partnerships-2026-partner-compensation-reports.
About The Barton Partnership
The Barton Partnership is a specialist strategic talent solutions provider that helps organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Since 2007, the firm has partnered with FTSE-listed and Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms and their portfolio businesses, global financial institutions, and leading consulting organizations to deliver executive search, interim and independent consulting, and consulting solutions.
Combining deep sector expertise with specialist functional focus, The Barton Partnership connects clients with senior leaders across Strategy & M&A, Transformation & Change, Technology & Data, and ESG & Sustainability. The firm's integrated approach aligns talent strategies with business priorities, ensuring every placement, whether interim, permanent, or consulting, delivers measurable impact.
The Barton Partnership is a certified B Corp™ and supports clients globally from offices in London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney. Learn more at thebartonpartnership.com.
Media Contact
Brittney Kowalski, The Barton Partnership, 1 6035042024, [email protected], https://www.thebartonpartnership.com/
SOURCE The Barton Partnership
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