Roland Berger in Eastern Europe?

Question

Hello everyone,
Im currently researching strategy consulting firms in Eastern Europe and would really appreciate any insights on Roland Berger’s presence in the region. Im particularly interested in their industry focus, the types of projects they typically handle, and how closely the Eastern European offices collaborate with the broader global network.

Id also be grateful for perspectives on their internal culture, career development, and overall reputation in the local market. How is Roland Berger generally perceived in terms of prestige compared to the MBB firms in Eastern Europe? Any comparisons based on client base, selectivity, or exit opportunities would be especially helpful.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Hi there,

I'm familiar with one particular RB office in EE and I can only say good things about them.

Overall, they have a strong presence in the market with both local projects and internal exposure. They have a similar or even better lifestyle than MBB. Compensation is indeed slightly lower than MBB. They support internal MBA programs.

In short, I would recommend you approach them. Also, try to have conversations with people who are currently in the office that you're targeting. In case you haven't had such calls before, you might find this guide useful:
• • Expert Guide: How To Handle Networking Calls and Get Referrals

Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

hey!

RB in EE is solid but not on MBB’s level. They focus a lot on industrials, energy, transport, public sector, and restructuring, with projects that mix strategy and transformation. Offices collaborate with the global network when the topic fits, especially in industrial and energy work. Culture is generally friendly and pragmatic, with good partner access and decent exits into corporate strategy. In the local market they’re respected, selective, and clearly top‑tier, but still a step below MBB in prestige, client base, and exit power.

Alessa

Answer 3

Roland Berger has a solid Eastern European footprint with main offices in Warsaw, Prague, Bucharest, and Budapest. They've been in the region since the 1990s, longer than most MBB equivalents.

Strongest practices are automotive, industrials, energy, financial services, and consumer goods. The firm's German heritage shows up in deep relationships with German industrial clients across the region. Offices collaborate closely with the global network, cross-border staffing on German and Austrian projects is common.

Culture leans partner-driven and relationship-based. Smaller teams, faster responsibility, lighter hours than MBB.

On prestige, RB sits just below MBB but the gap is smaller than people assume. In automotive, industrials, and energy, RB often beats MBB on client preference. Exits are strong for industrial and automotive corporate strategy. PE exits weaker than MBB.

Good luck.