McKinsey recognized that advising clients on AI transformation required building world-class AI capabilities internally. The firm needed to move beyond traditional strategy consulting to deliver data science and machine learning implementations. Acquiring QuantumBlack in 2015 was just the beginning—McKinsey needed to integrate AI into its core consulting methodology while scaling an AI services practice that could compete with technology firms.
McKinsey built QuantumBlack into a 2,000+ person AI and data science division, deploying proprietary AI tools across client engagements in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and financial services. The firm invested in Lilli, an internal AI assistant that augments consultant research and analysis, processing millions of McKinsey documents and external sources. Integration of AI into the firm's core problem-solving approach enabled consultants to deliver quantified impact recommendations backed by predictive models and real-time simulations.
“We transformed ourselves first before advising clients. QuantumBlack and Lilli demonstrate that AI enables us to deliver insights no human-only team could match.”— Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
This case study is based on publicly available information about McKinsey & Company.
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