Simon- Kucher MIddle east

Question

Hi Everyone,

I've recently been contacted about a position at Simon-Kucher and am keen to gain some insights into the firm, particularly regarding their expansion in the Middle East (especially KSA). I noticed they've recently hired partners from firms like BCG, Bain, and Roland Berger.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following aspects:

Reputation (Brand) – How does Simon-Kucher compare to mid-tier firms like ADL or Roland Berger in terms of brand strength?
Type of Projects – What kinds of projects are typical for Simon-Kucher in the Middle East? During my discussion with them, they mentioned being open to any strategy project, not just their traditional pricing and marketing focus.
Culture – Do you have any insights on the company culture, especially in the regional offices? I’m particularly interested in hearing about work-life balance and team dynamics.
Pros and Cons – What are the potential advantages and drawbacks of joining a firm in an expansion phase? In my interviews, they highlighted significant opportunities for growth.

Your insights and advice would be highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Answer 1

Hi Dennis,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, I would highly advise you to research the criteria relevant to you by talking to current consultants at SKP in your target offices. While you can (usually) get well thought out personal opinions from coaches in this forum, unfortunately they are nothing more than just that.
Moreover, some of the criteria you mentioned are entirely personal, so asking for others' opinions is not relevant at all.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Answer 2

Simon-Kucher is expanding in the Middle East, going beyond its marketing and pricing focus to take on broader strategic projects. Compared to companies like Roland Berger and ADL, Simon-Kucher's brand is smaller but growing. In the region, they work across a variety of sectors, with increasing opportunities for strategy-related work. The culture is collaborative, but the growing market, especially in KSA, can lead to work-life balance requirements. Entering this expansion phase offers significant growth potential but can come with challenges as they build their reputation in new areas.

Answer 3

hey! Interesting question!

Simon-Kucher is well-regarded, especially for its expertise in pricing, but it’s not as widely recognized in general strategy as firms like Roland Berger or Arthur D. Little. However, their recent expansion in the Middle East, including KSA, shows ambition to diversify into broader strategy work.

The culture tends to be collaborative, and with the firm in growth mode, you'll find significant opportunities for fast-tracked career progression, though the work-life balance may vary by region. In Riyadh or Doha, expect longer hours due to the fast-paced nature of the market. I would also recommend reaching out to some employees to get a true feeling for the culture!

If you're excited by the idea of helping a firm expand and shaping its presence in the Middle East, Simon-Kucher could offer an entrepreneurial environment with broadening project types beyond pricing. It’s a great opportunity if you align with their strategic goals in the region.

Best, Alessa

Answer 4

Hi there,

My main advice would be to use these questions as a way to start networking conversations.

In a forum, the responses you get to these specific questions tend to be generic, second-hand, or even third-hand insights (aka hearsay). Instead, I’d recommend connecting with current SK consultants in the Middle East on LinkedIn and getting their direct perspective.

This approach not only gives you more accurate information but also opens doors for potential referrals, helps you see if you genuinely enjoy conversations with potential future colleagues, and can provide hiring tips (like current demand in the region).

Cheers,

Florian

Answer 5

Simon-Kucher is well-known for its pricing expertise, though it’s not as broadly recognized in general strategy like Roland Berger or Arthur D. Little. However, their expansion in the Middle East, particularly in KSA, shows a clear push into broader strategy work.

As the firm is growing there will be great opportunities for advancement, but the work-life balance may be poor, especially in Middle East. To get a real sense of the culture, I recommend reaching out to current employees on LinkedIn.