Kearney Names Martin Denman as Chief Financial Officer

Global management consultancy Kearney has appointed Martin Denman as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Based at the firm’s global headquarters in Chicago, Martin brings nearly a decade of internal finance experience to the position. 

His appointment follows a six-month stint as acting CFO, a period during which he provided key continuity for both the finance division and the broader business amidst widespread organisational changes.

Before joining Kearney, Martin held senior finance positions at ZS Associates and RSM US, having started his career at Kirkland & Ellis.

During his tenure at Kearney, he has directed several large-scale operational initiatives, including a revamp of the finance department centred on a major technology overhaul and the establishment of a global finance shared service centre.

Additionally, Martin spearheaded a board-led project to restructure the company’s equity model, created a project-costing method for profitability reporting, managed the integration of several corporate acquisitions and restructured the operating model for the firm’s global real estate assets.

Martin Denman, CFO of Kearney, says: “It's an honour to take on this role in a moment when Kearney is taking deliberate steps to ensure its future success in light of the rapid evolution the management consulting industry is undergoing,.

“Client demands for transformative work with a clear ROI, rapid technological advancements, and a shift in market dynamics are just some of the forces that require finance to act as a true strategic partner to the business.”

Strategy for Kearney

Kearney leadership emphasises that the appointment aligns with broader long-term investments in technology and operational capabilities, particularly as the firm approaches its centennial milestone.

Bob Willen, Kearney's Global Managing Partner and Chairman of the Board notes: “We're at an important inflection point for this firm.  

“Here in our centennial year, we're not slowing down. We're investing more strategically in technology and new capabilities to create even greater impact with our clients.

“Martin's experience in complex global environments makes him the right partner to help us translate the scale of what we're building into decisions that endure.”

With the core executive team now set, Martin will oversee global financial operations and capital allocation strategies from the Chicago headquarters.

Kearney partners:

FII Institute: Established in 2019, the Future Investment Initiative Institute operates as an independent non-profit foundation headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Led by CEO HRH Princess Dr. Maha Bint Mishari Al Saud, the organisation acts as a global platform for capital and innovation. It focuses on four primary pillars: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Healthcare, Sustainability, and Education, driving international initiatives to deliver a tangible impact on humanity. 

WEF: Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum is an international non-profit organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland. Positioned as the premier platform for public-private cooperation, it brings together global political, business, and civil society leaders. Under the leadership of President and CEO Alouis Swinggi, the forum hosts its flagship annual meeting in Davos, shaping regional, industry and global agendas to foster collaborative solutions.

Women's Forum for the Economy & Society: Created in 2005 by Aude de Thuin, the Women's Forum for the Economy & Society operates from its headquarters in Paris, France. Now functioning as a subsidiary of the Publicis Groupe, the global platform is led by President Nannette Lafond-Dufour . It highlights women’s voices and perspectives on major economic and societal issues through global summits, actionable initiatives and network building across the private and public sectors.

EV8 Technologies: Founded in 2018 as a joint venture involving Kearney, EV8 Technologies is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Its core services help consumers and commercial fleets assess, plan, and optimise their transition away from fossil-fuel transport.