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Rich Lesser
Global Chair
New York

Rich Lesser is the Global Chair of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he engages with CEOs, boards of directors, and senior leaders around the world on critical topics, including climate and sustainability, resilience, and purpose. He served as BCG’s CEO from 2013 to 2021, a period of exceptional growth for the firm. During his tenure as CEO, Rich built new units to create BCG’s digital business-building, advanced analytics, and machine learning and AI capabilities, and launched the BCG Center for Climate & Sustainability. He was named the Top CEO in the US by Glassdoor in 2021.

Rich serves as Chief Advisor to the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, and as a co-chair or member of several other leading organizations, including the First Movers Coalition, Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, the Southern Communities Initiative, and the Council for Inclusive Capitalism, where he co-led the Just Energy Transition workstream. He previously served on the Business Roundtable board of directors, where he led the CEO COVID-19 Taskforce. He accelerated BCG’s strong investments in social impact through its longstanding partnerships, including the World Food Programme, Save the Children, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), along with many global health and environmental initiatives.

Rich served as BCG’s chairman for North and South America from 2009 to 2012, and as head of the New York Metro office system from 2000 to 2009. Prior to joining BCG in 1988, Rich worked in product development at Procter & Gamble. He serves on the University of Michigan College of Engineering Leadership Advisory Board.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • MBA, with high distinction, Harvard Business School
  • BSE, chemical engineering, summa cum laude, University of Michigan

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Top CEO in the US, Glassdoor, 2021
  • Excellence in Public Policy Award, Committee for Economic Development, 2019
  • ChE Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Michigan, 2018
  • Honoree, Catalyst Awards Conference, 2018
  • Honoree, America Needs You Benefit, 2015
  • Top 25 Consultants, Consulting Magazine, 2009
  • Baker Scholar, Harvard Business School

Publications and Videos

The Power Demand of Generative AI

Generative AI requires significant energy. Companies with ambitious climate commitments are striving to stay on track, explains Global Chair Rich Lesser.

A Deep Dive on the Costs of Decarbonization

Ultimately, decarbonized products won’t cost consumers a big premium. But getting there won’t be cheap or easy, explains BCG’s Rich Lesser.

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Turbocharging the Energy Transition by Boosting Customer Demand

Companies have a major opportunity to move from providing clean energy solutions that customers think they should buy to creating compelling products and services that customers will want to buy.

Banks, Businesses, and Sustainability Success

HSBC’s Greg Guyett and BCG’s Rich Lesser discuss how banks can finance midsize businesses around the world to help them achieve sustainability goals and more.

CEOs on the Shape of Health Care in 2024

BCG’s Global Chair Rich Lesser and Priya Chandran hosted a discussion with Dave Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, and Tom Polen, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Beckton Dickinson, to explore what’s ahead for the industry.

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Turning GenAI Magic into Business Impact

The technology is a marvel, but leaders are ready to see results. Here are three value plays organizations should make now.

Unleashing AI in the Climate Fight

Will AI give humanity the edge it needs to achieve climate goals? The potential is there, but some obstacles remain. Google’s chief sustainability officer, Kate Brandt, joins BCG’s global chair, Rich Lesser, to discuss the biggest opportunities and explore the risks ahead.

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A Blueprint for the Energy Transition

Achieving net zero will require driving an energy transition with unprecedented speed. That transition promises to have far-reaching implications.
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Shifting the Direct Air Capture Paradigm

How to reduce the costs of the carbon-dioxide removal technology below $150 per ton—and transform it into an affordable solution for tackling the climate crisis.

A Robust People Strategy Is More Important Than Ever

Given the rapid pace of workplace change, BCG’s Rich Lesser says, it’s vital to attract, retain, and develop high-caliber people.

Health Care CEOs on the 2023 Industry Outlook

Joaquin Duato, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, and Dr. Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers, highlight three top priorities for CEOs this year: strategizing for growth, building financial resilience, and delivering societal impact through sustainability and health equity.

Climate and Sustainability at Davos

Rich Lesser, BCG's global chair, describes his focus for the week ahead: emerging green markets and the sustainability skills companies will need to thrive and make an impact.