Key facts
- Anna Mattsson, Alex Devereson, Maria Albonico, and Holger Hürtgen were promoted to senior or distinguished partner roles at McKinsey.
- McKinsey typically adds around 200 partners annually, with approximately 60 senior partners promoted this year.
- Anna Mattsson leads McKinsey's Strategy & Corporate Finance Practice for Switzerland.
- Holger Hürtgen is recognized for his expertise in technology and AI.
- Maria Albonico focuses on financial services and private equity.
- Alex Devereson serves pharmaceutical, vaccine, and biotech companies.
Four McKinsey & Co. partners, Anna Mattsson, Alex Devereson, Maria Albonico, and Holger Hürtgen, have achieved the firm's top tier, becoming senior or distinguished partners. This promotion is a significant accomplishment, as McKinsey typically adds around 200 partners annually, but only about 60 reach the senior partner level.
The four partners shared insights into their career journeys and the changing nature of partnership at McKinsey, particularly in light of advancements in AI. They described the moment they received the news of their election, with experiences ranging from late-night calls to calls received while managing family routines.
As senior partners, they will play a crucial role in shaping the firm's strategy, leading high-stakes client projects, and holding a larger equity stake. Despite the prestige, the day-to-day responsibilities are expected to remain similar to their previous roles.
Each partner highlighted that reaching this level was less about a calculated strategy and more about demonstrating they were already performing at that capacity. Mattsson, who joined McKinsey six years ago after a career at Deloitte, noted that focusing on enjoyable and impactful work was key, especially after being passed over for promotion the previous year.
Hürtgen, who joined McKinsey in 2007 as its first data scientist in Germany, was promoted to distinguished partner, a new role recognizing deep expertise. He recounted advice he received about not conforming to the traditional partner image but chose to focus on his strengths in technology and AI.
McKinsey, founded in 1926, continues to project a youthful energy, promoting individuals under 40 and fostering an entrepreneurial drive. In 2025, the firm elected 224 partners, with 66 women, the highest share in its history, though the gender gap widened at the senior partner level.
The partners also reflected on why they have remained with McKinsey. They cited the excitement of diverse projects, the opportunity to reinvent themselves, and the firm's ability to offer both a sense of community and entrepreneurial freedom. Hürtgen emphasized the importance of maintaining external connections and appreciating the people within the firm.