McKinsey names 224 new partners in smallest class in years

Four of the firm's newest partners share their best advice for climbing the ranks at the consulting giant.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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McKinsey & Company named 224 new partners in November, one of its smallest classes in recent years. We asked four of the firm's newest partners to share their tips for success, including how they distinguished themselves, what changed in their behavior and performance as they climbed the ranks, and the key signals that told them they were on track for partner.

Why it matters

Making partner at McKinsey is one of the most competitive promotions in corporate America. The firm's latest partner class reflects the challenges of the current consulting landscape, with the number of new partners well below the pandemic-era boom. The advice from these four new partners provides a rare glimpse into the strategies and mindsets that can help consultants rise through the ranks at one of the world's most prestigious firms.

The details

The newest class of McKinsey partners comes from more than 65 cities across 45 countries, stretching from Chile to Japan. Collectively, they speak more than 40 languages and bring expertise across nearly 20 sectors and business functions. The four partners who shared their advice include Paul Beaumont, who leads McKinsey's data science and technical teams in Southeast Asia; Jen Malandra, who focuses on operational transformation and helping clients scale production; Witold Wdziekonski, who guides the firm's resource allocation in a non-client-facing role; and Franziska Kraken, who works with insurers across Europe and Japan to help them grow during times of disruption.

  • In November 2026, McKinsey announced one of its smallest partner classes in recent years, with 224 new partners.
  • In 2022, McKinsey promoted 400 consultants to partner during the pandemic-era consulting boom.

The players

Paul Beaumont

Leads McKinsey's data science and technical teams across Southeast Asia.

Jen Malandra

Focuses on operational transformation and helping clients scale production.

Witold Wdziekonski

Guides the firm's resource allocation, helping to determine how McKinsey allocates resources, invests for growth, and enables innovation.

Franziska Kraken

Works with insurers across Europe and Japan to help them grow during times of disruption, specializing in large-scale transformations.

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What they’re saying

“I focused on doing a few things consistently well rather than trying to do everything. I leaned into my strengths — especially at the intersection of analytics, technology, and human judgment — to make my contributions clearly valuable to clients.”

— Paul Beaumont (Business Insider)

“In my experience, sponsors don't come from networking alone — they form when someone sees your authentic passion in action and wants to build alongside you.”

— Jen Malandra (Business Insider)

“I lean in disproportionately when something is truly important and mission-critical. During moments like the COVID-19 pandemic or supply chain disruptions, I saw opportunities to shape responses that would meaningfully impact the firm's performance in the moment and for years to come.”

— Witold Wdziekonski (Business Insider)

“Find your home, find the people you like to work with, and find clients where you feel you can have a real impact. And don't lose the fun. McKinsey is more of a marathon than a sprint, and enjoying what you do matters.”

— Franziska Kraken (Business Insider)

The takeaway

The advice from these four new McKinsey partners highlights the importance of focus, building strong relationships, and finding ways to make a meaningful impact, even in non-client-facing roles. Their stories provide a rare glimpse into the strategies and mindsets that can help consultants rise through the ranks at one of the world's most prestigious firms.