Hidden Champion 2026/27

David Defeats Goliath:
SMP Is the Hidden Champion of 2026/27

The Value of a Very Special Award

A non-commercial award—one for which you cannot apply—holds special value. That is precisely what makes the Hidden Champion 2026/27 so valuable to us at Struktur Management Partner: it is not an end in itself, but rather an independent validation of our approach by our clients and partners. Our most important principle is “Profit follows value”: the focus is on the benefit to the client, not our own revenue. The fact that clients rate us higher than McKinsey, BCG, and Bain (MBB) confirms the effectiveness of our approach. Curious about how we do it?

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Priceless: The “Hidden Champion” Award

Being named a “Hidden Champion” for 2026/27—and thus ranked No. 1 in the area of Operational Turnaround and No. 2 in the field of Implementation—is no ordinary honor. We take particular pride in this WGMB award because it is not subject to influence, is not commercially motivated, and cannot be applied for. This means that, within our niche area of expertise, we have earned a higher rating than MBB in a direct comparison within a specific business segment. This rating is determined by customers and business partners and is therefore independent. This recognition of our work and our capabilities fills us with pride and deep gratitude.

Recognition Through an Award

Gratitude, pride, but also a sense of responsibility. Our Managing Partner, Georgiy Michailov, explains what the Hidden Champion Award means to the SMP team.
 

What does it take to become a “hidden champion”?

Less well-known than MBB. And yet a true hidden champion.

Among top executives at German companies with annual revenue of 1 billion euros or more, a “hidden champion” is considered an insider’s tip: its unaided brand awareness must not exceed 15 percent.

On equal footing with the top players and operating in the same market niche.

A “hidden champion” does not compete in a niche separate from the big players: At least 50% of its clients also work with McKinsey, BCG, or Bain.

Better than McKinsey, BCG, and Bain: at least in one specialized area

A “hidden champion” must be open to evaluation: In at least one area of expertise, customers must have rated it higher than McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

Three Steps on the Path to Becoming a Hidden Champion

  • 1. Pre-selection by experts

    The process begins with an assessment by experts: An independent panel of scientists and business leaders identifies which consulting firms possess specialized expertise in the respective market niches.

  • 2. Potential as a “hidden champion”?

    Not every candidate from the shortlist passes the review: The preliminary study examines whether a consulting firm meets the basic requirements for the title.

  • 3. The Ultimate Test: The Customer Survey

    The decision is made only in the main study: A broad-based survey of customers with annual revenue of at least 500 million euros evaluates the remaining finalists in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “hidden champion” in the management consulting industry?

A consulting firm that, despite its low profile, operates in the same market as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, and is rated higher by its clients in at least one area of expertise than all three of them. The award has been presented by the WGMB since 2003 and is considered the oldest independent, non-commercial seal of quality for consultants in the German-speaking world.

For which achievements is the award given?

Struktur Management Partner was named the No. 1 “Hidden Champion 2026/27” in the Operational Turnaround category and ranked second in the Implementation category.

Can you apply for the “Hidden Champion” award?

No. Candidates are identified by an independent panel of experts from academia and industry. The decision on inclusion is based solely on the opinions of customers surveyed as part of a broad-based study.

How does the “Hidden Champion” award differ from other awards?

The Hidden Champion Award is the oldest independent, non-commercial seal of quality for management consulting firms in the German-speaking world. It is based on genuine client surveys and clearly defined criteria.

Who is the WGMB?

The WGMB is the Scientific Society for Management and Consulting. Since 1998, it has been evaluating the leading consulting firms in Germany using scientifically validated analytical methods at the intersection of economics, psychology, and the social sciences.

How often is the “Hidden Champion” award presented?

This marks the tenth time the “Hidden Champion” award has been presented since 2003. The current 2026/27 edition is based on a survey of 1,126 executives from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including 140 from DAX 40 companies.

Why are we showcasing our “Hidden Champion” award?

Because it independently validates our market positioning: rated by independent clients, not for sale, and not subject to influence. The award demonstrates how SMP performs in direct comparison with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

Measurably Successful

  • No.

    Hidden Champion “Operational Turnaround”

  • No.

    in the “Implementation” area of expertise

  • „MBB“

    exceeded

  • >

    consulting clients surveyed independently

    Successful consulting is more than just consulting. It is the result of a bold approach.

    A strong set of values. An even stronger distinction.

    The “Hidden Champion” award is no coincidence. It is rooted in a set of values that shapes the way we work: Because “Profit follows value” is our promise, we prioritize customer value over revenue. This award reaffirms our commitment to staying true to this philosophy. Curious about what lies behind our values? You can read about them here or learn more by talking with us.

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