Skip to Main

Alex Koster is a core member of Boston Consulting Group’s Digital, Industrial Goods, and Technology, Media & Telecommunications practices. Alex leads BCG’s global automotive technology business, which includes automotive software, semiconductors, and autonomous vehicles. He also leads BCG’s global digital ecosystems, joint ventures and alliances work. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and a TED speaker.

Alex’s clients include automotive OEMs and suppliers, tech firms (including software, electronics, semiconductors, and telecoms), and private equity firms across the globe. He works with his clients on their large-scale tech transformation journeys.

Alex’s recent engagements include accelerating the transition to a software-defined vehicle, working on autonomous driving technology and scenarios, creating strategies around emerging platforms, and devising semiconductor strategies for consumer electronics. He has worked with clients on defining the operating model for large-scale software organizations of automotive, consumer electronics, industrial or white goods firms, developing data strategies, defining and implementing large-scale IoT programs, and building capabilities along the technology stack. He has co-authored several publications on this topic.

Prior to joining BCG, Alex was a Partner in the PwC subsidiary Strategy& (formerly Booz & Company), where he led the EMEA automotive digital activities and the Swiss business. He is fluent in German, French, and English.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • MBA, INSEAD
  • MSc, electrical engineering, ETH Zurich

Publications and Videos

" "

As Auto Software Revs Up, Suppliers Need to Switch Gears

A new tech stack is taking shape in the auto industry. Tier one suppliers that are still trying to determine where to play risk being crowded out.

Building Software in Automotive

There are a number of opportunities for software players in the automotive space. BCG’s Thomas Weber and Alex Koster examine the landscape and roadmap potential paths for scaling and profitability.

" "

Where Will Software Drive the Auto Industry Next?

As vehicles become “computers on wheels,” key insights about the rapidly changing market landscape point to the need for greater collaboration among industry players.
" "

Rewriting the Rules of Software-Defined Vehicles

As cars steadily become software-defined vehicles (SDVs), automotive and technology companies must develop their partnering super skills to drive innovation and industry profits.
""

In Uncertain Times, Double Down on Business Ecosystems

Resist the temptation to scale back investments­­­­—instead, use the benefits of digital platforms to help your company through challenging periods.

The Benefits of Digital Ecosystems During Volatile Times

Embracing digital ecosystems during economic downturns can help companies be more flexible, foster collaboration on new offerings, expand access to supply chains, and attract talent.

" "

Chasing the Software-Defined Dream Car

Digital-age car buyers will favor customer-centric vehicles that can be personalized and updated just like a smartphone. Automakers must transform to tap this lucrative opportunity.
building-a-business-from-data-is-hard-rectangle-tcm9-251085.jpg

Building a Business from Data Is Hard—Here’s How the Winners Do It

Companies across industries have vast amounts of valuable information—but most struggle to monetize it. A close look at those that do reveals the secrets to success.
putting-the-data-pedal-to-the-metal-an-interview-with-otonomos-ben-volkow-volkow-photo-rectangle-tcm9-239538.jpg

Putting the Data Pedal to the Metal: An Interview with Otonomo’s Ben Volkow

Autos generate reams of data—a valuable commodity that has created a nascent industry. We chat with the founder and CEO of a leading car data platform company.
" "

Cyberresilience: Making Autonomous Vehicles a Reality

Autonomous vehicles are essentially computers on wheels, and their increasingly complex digital technology opens the door for a new kind of cyber attack. Cyber security will play a vital role in bringing self-driving vehicles from science fiction fantasy to the real world.