Early in his career, Kearney partner Vincent Barbat was told that he shied away from difficult conversations and should be more bold and direct. He took this advice to heart, and it continues to serve him well several decades later. “I think people appreciate what I think, but maybe not always how I phrase things,” he says. “Our job is to give honest, objective advice, so there can be times when we disagree with the client.”

Vincent is similarly bold and direct in talking about how he came to specialize in consumer products. “As I began to focus on choosing an industry, I knew I wanted to work with products that I enjoy,” he explains. “I like luxury goods and retail stores and even supermarket shelves. I appreciate things like good chocolate and coffee. I can recognize the beauty of an aircraft, but it doesn’t resonate with me the way consumer goods do.”

For Vincent, consulting is all about effectively partnering with the client. “With a firm like Kearney, the work will always be technically sound,” he notes. “But the difference comes through in how we engage and partner by working hand in hand with the client. We don’t just want to leave a useful report behind; we want to prepare the client to take the next step toward greater achievement. I love all of the energy and discussions in consulting,” he adds, “as well as the variety of challenges we help our clients with. It’s intellectually stimulating work.”

Born and raised in France’s Basque Country, Vincent has more than 20 years of professional experience in both consulting and high-tech environments. He brings a strong international perspective to his work based on living and working in Europe, the US, and Asia. He also lived in Africa for four years as a child and speaks French, English, and Spanish fluently.

An early riser, Vincent likes to go for a run each morning. He and his wife, a biology researcher, have three children. He also enjoys the ocean, cooking, and spending time with friends.