Is KPMG GSG is better than other big 4 strategy arms? If yes, in which aspects and what is big 4 strategy arms ranking, what makes each strategy arm in big 4 standout compared to eachother?

Hi there,

Indicative ranking (varies by region, but broadly):

1. EY-Parthenon – strongest brand overall, especially in commercial due diligence and corporate strategy; very strong PE exposure.
2. KPMG GSG – highly respected in transactions/strategy, slightly behind EYP in scale but strong exits.
3. PwC Strategy& – good legacy in some regions (e.g., Middle East, Germany) but still integrating fully into PwC brand. Strong in certain industries like energy.
4. Deloitte Monitor – more corporate/innovation-focused, often less deals exposure, though some offices (e.g., US, Canada) have strong reputations.

Standouts:

• EY-Parthenon: PE-focused CDD powerhouse, solid global brand.
• KPMG GSG: Transaction-oriented, tight link to deals practice, strong stepping stone.
• Strategy&: Industry depth, heritage from Booz, strong in ME.
• Monitor Deloitte: Known for corporate/innovation strategy, strong thought leadership in some sectors.

So yes, KPMG GSG is competitive, particularly if you want exposure to high-impact transaction-driven projects and MBB/PE exits.

Best,

Evelina

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

• First of all, contrary to what other coaches have said, there really is no universally valid ranking, and it is unfortunately impossible to determine whether the KPMG Global Strategy Group is better suited for you, as this is highly personal.
• Moreover, I would advise you to wait for the results of your application processes before you start thinking about a personal ranking. You may not end up with more than one offer, as much as I would like you to.
• Lastly, I would highly advise you to opt for the option that best aligns with your professional (and maybe even personal) mid- to long-term goals. In order to make an informed decision, I would advise you to do the following:
  • Weigh the different criteria that are meaningful to you independently of the current options (e.g., personal growth, culture, international exposure, compensation). After that, score the options based on your criteria and their weighting, resulting in discrete scores. This way, you have covered the left-brain perspective.
  • Critically assess your initial reaction to the outcome of the scores. For instance, if you feel the urge to tweak the numbers, this is a solid indicator that you do not want this decision to become reality. This way, you have covered the right-brain perspective.
  • By doing so, you will be able to integrate both parts of the brain into the decision-making, guaranteeing a higher chance that you will still be happy with it years later.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hey! 

KPMG GSG is generally seen as one of the stronger Big 4 strategy arms, especially in Europe and the Middle East, because it’s more integrated with high-level corporate and government strategy work rather than being pulled heavily into implementation. Compared to the others: EY-Parthenon is strongest globally in pure strategy and also has a fast-growing PE/Commercial Due Diligence practice, Deloitte S&O (Monitor) has very broad reach and brand strength with strong industry depth, and PwC Strategy& is the most “MBB-like” in positioning with more global exposure and higher brand recognition in strategy.

If you want a rough perception ranking, Strategy& is usually considered top among Big 4, followed by EY-Parthenon, then Monitor Deloitte, and then KPMG GSG. Each has its regional strengths, though, so it depends a bit on where you apply and the sector focus.

best, Alessa :)

My view is that Strategy & is the most well-rounded, although depending on the office; EY-Parthenon the best for commercial due diligence work and value creation.