Green light for 2026
Indeed, the activity of the sector has been booming since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, and has intensified over the past year. This is happening amidst international geopolitical crises exacerbated by the bellicose speeches of Donald Trump, act II. And, in recent days, with military offensives on Iran. This is confirmed by Jean-Sébastien Gros, associate dedicated to Mews Partners, which currently has 4 aerospace-defense associates in France. “The aerospace sector readjusted its post-COVID investments 2 years ago, but we have offset this effect. Since then, growth has resumed, driven by geopolitical issues, and we anticipate a 20% increase in the ASD market (i.e. Aerospace, Security, Defense) for the next 2 or 3 years.”
Oliver Wyman predicts a 50% increase in activity in Europe in 2025. “In 2025, we generated a turnover of 40 million euros. In 2026, we anticipate similar ratios, further driven by defense,” points out aero-defense associate Archag Touloumian. Avencore also echoes this sentiment, with Maxime Bremond stating, “We are currently observing sustained growth in both Defense and Aerospace, with a stronger impact on Defense.”
Arnaud Bodji believes that the trilateral sector, aerospace-space-defense, which has been growing in double digits for the past 3 years, is set to continue its momentum this year.
Goal: Credibility-legitimacy of recruits
Facing the growing needs and complexity of issues, consulting firms are strengthening their teams to align expertise, credibility, and networks. This starts with the top leadership. Over the past year, there has been a busy recruitment period for partners in aerospace-defense and skilled profiles within firms operating in this crucial sector. The recruiting table features former high-ranking defense officials or military personnel, former leaders of complex programs (aircraft, missiles, space, cyber), and the most capable associates capable of addressing issues related to sovereignty, (cyber)security, geopolitics, and profitability. These profiles are not just “Defense experts,” they also possess undeniable industrial legitimacy, providing them with direct access to decision-makers: ministries, space agencies, and sovereign industries.
Examples include the BCG’s recruitment of Stéphane Israël, CEO of Arianespace since 2017 and former VP of Airbus, who only remained with the firm for 9 months.
Consultant Guillaume de Ranieri, who has a long history in the sector, joins Oliver Wyman, where Éric Ciampi notes, “With Guillaume’s arrival, our team truly reflects what we offer in terms of expertise.” This complements the existing French and European team, with 3 partners in France and 15 in Europe. Arthur D. Little has also recruited experienced consultants and industrial experts, expanding its team to reinforce its capabilities. According to Arnaud Bodji, “90% of projects are won through our network, with local relays in Europe.”
Mews Partners, with a substantial team of 10 associates currently (3 more than 2 years ago), will further strengthen its workforce by hiring two new associates this year, one in Germany, and around 20 new collaborators with a mix of experienced profiles, from senior to manager levels.
The weapon of senior advisors?
Another important resource for consulting firms to meet the increasing demand for new skills is senior advisors. Éric Ciampi of Oliver Wyman points out that the “hunt” for these profiles is particularly active, with around 30 senior advisors in Europe, including a handful in France, who bring different expertise from former board members or operational skills, strengthening the firms’ credibility on various subjects. ADL also relies on these senior advisors, with about a dozen specialized in aerospace-defense, according to Arnaud Bodji, aiming to further strengthen its team because it provides “an enhanced credibility.” Avencore also benefits from external senior advisors in parallel with internal teams, tapping into their network of former clients or industrial leaders for insights on specific issues.
Pressure on consulting firms to retain their top talents?
However, retaining these expert consultants is not a walk in the park. According to Éric Ciampi of Oliver Wyman, there is a constant “external hunt” for talent, but they benefit from strong retention. Mews Partners’ Jean-Sébastien Gros also acknowledges external recruitment efforts, but states they have very good retention. ADL acknowledges the pressure in this rapidly growing sector, where there is active talent attraction to retain incumbent experts, as highlighted by Arnaud Bodji.
