HPP Consulting marks 30 years with 2,700 projects and new AI focus

HPP Consulting is celebrating 30 years after its 1996 management buyout from Daimler, citing 2,700 completed client projects and a broadened client base across automotive, telecom, fiber, mobility and logistics. The Frankfurt-based boutique consultancy says its next phase will center on faster execution, deeper industry expertise and adapting to artificial intelligence.

Why it matters: - HPP Consulting is marking three decades in business as demand shifts away from long strategy decks toward faster, practical implementation. - The firm’s anniversary underscores how boutique consultancies are adapting to tighter timelines, more complex industries and the growing impact of artificial intelligence. - HPP’s track record with DAX and MDAX companies, midsize firms and hidden champions shows the continuing value of specialized advisory work in structurally difficult markets.

What happened: - HPP Consulting said it was founded 30 years ago through a management buyout from Daimler. - The Frankfurt-based consultancy said it has completed 2,700 client projects since then. - The firm is now led by managing partners André Köhler, Dr. Thorsten Liebehenschel and Roland Pietsch. - In 2025, Max Köppl and Christian Karwehl joined as partners from within the company.

The details: - HPP Consulting is a privately owned strategy, sales and marketing advisory firm with headquarters in Frankfurt am Main. - The company works for international large enterprises, midsize companies and hidden champions. - Its core industries now include automotive, telecommunications and fiber optics, midsize business, mobility and logistics. - André Köhler said HPP stands out through deep functional and industry expertise and through close collaboration with clients across all management levels. - HPP says its work includes customer and competitor analyses, advanced analytics, process optimization, brand strategy and project management support. - In 2026, brand eins ranked HPP for the 14th straight year among the best management consultancies in six categories: auto and suppliers, technology and telecom, transport and logistics, strategy development, marketing, brand and pricing, and innovation and growth.

Between the lines: - HPP’s anniversary story mirrors a broader shift in consulting from presentation-heavy engagements to hands-on delivery. - The firm says practical understanding now matters more than academic credentials, because clients want solutions they can actually implement. - Dr. Thorsten Liebehenschel said the next phase will require more agility and speed, while HPP continues to focus on continuity and its own strengths. - The company’s comments suggest AI will pressure consultancies to evolve their methods, not just their messaging.

What's next: - HPP says it will keep adapting to technological change, especially the rapid development of artificial intelligence. - The firm plans to keep emphasizing industry depth, execution and responsiveness as client expectations change. - HPP will continue balancing innovation with the company’s established operating model and independence.

The bottom line: - After 30 years, HPP Consulting is positioning itself as a specialist adviser built for implementation, not just strategy. The firm’s next challenge is to keep that model relevant as AI reshapes consulting work.