Yakov and Partners is one of the top consulting companies in Russia, with headquarters in Moscow and offices in several of the BRICS countries. The bloc currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and looks to expand in the future.
Yakov and Partners contains the DNA of the Big Three strategy consulting firms (McKinsey Russia, Boston Consulting Group Russia, and Bain & Company Russia), but is forging its own path as Russia’s largest strategy consulting firm. In fact, Yakov is one of the largest non-European and non-American strategy consulting firms in the world.
The firm is known for supporting cross-country interactions between the BRICS countries through strategic consulting, operational improvements, change management, and digital transformation.
We have it on good authority the firm is actively hiring - especially for experienced professionals with a proven consulting track record! Learn more here. Ready to learn all about this top Russia consulting company? Let's get started.
Firm Key Stats
- Website: https://yakovpartners.com/
- Headquarters: Moscow 5C Lesnaya St., Russia
- Employees: 300
- Locations: Russia, India, China, UAE
- Chief Executive: Yakov Sergienko
- Revenue: $50M USD
- Engagement Cost: $500K USD per month
Yakov and Partners History
The firm began its operations in the spring of 2022 by Yakov Sergienko after the merger of a number of consultants and partners of the Big Three strategic consulting firms. Yakov and Partners effectively filled the void left by MBB leaving the country - and is now regarded as one of the top consulting companies in Russia.
Yakov has ties to all major Russian businesses and brings vast experience in all major areas of the economy. The firm prides itself on supporting foreign companies looking to enter the Russian market. 5 out of 10 of Russia’s largest companies and 4 out of 5 of Russia’s largest banks have been clients of Yakov and Partners, having been consulted on issues ranging from operational effectiveness to AI-readiness.
The firm employs a wide network of experts spanning 120+ countries, ensuring clients have access to the best and brightest minds in the business world.
Yakov and Partners is known for regular publications on various sectors of the Russian and international economy. The firm has been quoted in Bloomberg, Financial Times, South China Morning Post, CNA, The Moscow Times, and more. The firm retains best practices of the MBB firms, leading to public recognition as the heir of the Big Three in Russia.
The firm traditionally invests 10% of its operating profit in socially significant projects in the form of pro bono work. For example, Yakov is currently a strategic partner of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts - which holds one of the largest art collections in the world.
Yakov and Partners Organization
Let's break down how Yakov and Partners is set up and the type of work it conducts.
Yakov and Partners Org Structure
The firm's structure is a combination of a partnership and a matrixed organization. In this structure, ownership and decision-making responsibilities are shared among leadership, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and strategies are developed through consensus and mutual agreement.
Additionally, the firm operates within a matrixed framework, where employees may report to more than one manager depending on their roles and the projects they are involved in. By integrating these two organizational models, the firm is able to achieve a balanced approach that promotes both collaboration and efficiency.
Yakov and Partners Projects
Yakov and Partners undertakes projects that span a wide range of management consulting services, focusing on both strategy and implementation. These projects often involve the creation and execution of strategies designed to enhance organizational and operational efficiency across various sectors.
Yakov is well known for facilitating cross-country interactions among BRICS+ public and private institutions, leveraging its deep understanding of these markets to support international collaboration and growth. For example, Yakov supports many companies (i.e., in Europe, UAE, India, China, and elsewhere) looking to establish - or reestablish - operations in Russia.
In addition, the firm takes on change management projects, helping organizations adapt to new challenges and evolving markets. Digitalization is another key area, where the firm assists clients in integrating digital technologies to improve business processes and outcomes.
Yakov and Partners Industries
Yakov and Partners consults clients in a wide variety of industries. Here is a broad - but not comprehensive - list:
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- Agriculture
- Banking & Finance
- Chemicals
- Construction & Real Estate, Urban & Area Development
- Consumer Goods & Retail
- Digitalization, IT & High Tech
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Heavy Industry
- Infrastructure & PPP
- Manufacturing & Engineering
- Medicine & Healthcare
- Port Infrastructure
- Social & Public Sector
- Telecom & Media
- Transport & Logistics
Yakov and Partners Practice Areas
Similar to the firm's broad industry portfolio, Yakov and Partners has deep expertise in a number of areas, including:
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- AI & Advanced Analytics
- Business Development Strategy
- Business Transformation
- Capital Projects
- Corporate Governance and Culture
- Digitalization
- ESG
- Investment Strategy
- Marketing & Sales
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- New Products & Business Models
- Operational Efficiency
- Organizational Transformations
- Supply Chain & Procurement
Yakov and Partners Locations
Yakov and Partners has office locations in Russia, India, the United Arab Emirates, and China, but the majority of the workforce is located in Russia.
Yakov is actively hiring and accepts applications from across the globe, including from candidates in:
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- Russia
- Europe
- United States
- Middle East India
- & more
See open roles at Yakov.
Below are several photos of the firm's offices (exterior and interior).
Yakov and Partners Exit Opportunities
Consultants transitioning out of Yakov and Partners often move into industry roles, particularly in the strategy divisions of various companies (sometimes at a Yakov client). Their experience at Yakov makes them highly sought after for positions that require a strong understanding of business strategy and execution.
Former Yakov consultants often find themselves in project management positions, where they leverage their skills in planning, coordination, and leadership to drive projects and initiatives. This transition is a testament to the robust training and experience Yakov provides its consultants (more on that in a bit).
Yakov Notable Alumni
As a young firm, Yakov and Partners does not (yet) have many alumni, but some of them include:
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- Evgeny Yakushkin: Board Member, Yandex
- Mikhail Kozlov: Head of Strategy, AVITO Goods
- Ilya Ivaninsky: Director of the Center for Business Education and Analytics, Central University
- Tigran Saakyan: CEO, Cezar Invest
- Roman Shaekhov: Head of Lending, Retail Business VTB
- Andrey Streltsov: Director of Strategy and Transformation, Rusal
Yakov and Partners Target Schools
Yakov and Partners actively recruits from the world’s leading universities, including but not limited to:
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- MIT Sloan School of Management
- Chicago Booth
- Wharton School of Business
- Kellogg School of Management
- INSEAD
- London Business School
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- ETH Zurich
- Toulouse School of Economics
- HEC Paris
- Tsinghua University
In addition, the Russian Federation is home to several top-tier universities known for academic excellence and innovation. Among the top 10 universities, 3 of the top 5 have a consulting track in collaboration with Yakov and Partners, which allows students to learn and develop as future strategy consulting professionals.
The Higher School of Economics (HSE University) has a joint department with Yakov and Partners, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in economic and business education. Additionally, the Graduate School of Management SPbU offers a 'Strategy and Consulting' track in partnership with Yakov and Partners, providing specialized training for aspiring consultants.
All that to say, Yakov doesn't only recruit from specific target schools. The firm is looking for the best talent around, so get your application ready!
Yakov and Partners Recruiting Overview
Want to land a role with Yakov and Partners? You have to go through a rigorous recruiting process. Lucky for you, we've got insider insights on how to navigate the process and land an offer.
First - what types of backgrounds, degrees, and skills are required to be considered for client-facing roles at Yakov?
Yakov only hires top performers. The best of the best. Ideal candidates for Yakov and Partners are those with exceptional skills and a proven track record of academic and professional success. The firm is particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated high achievement, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and a high degree of expertise in engineering, mathematics, data analytics, and science. If your degree is in one of those areas, even better!
The skills that Yakov and Partners prize the most are:
- Analytical prowess
- Leadership potential
- Passion for problem-solving
If you are someone with a high level of ambition and are eager to take on challenging problems that require innovative thinking and determination, you may be a great fit for a career at Yakov. The same can be said if you get excited by solving complex challenges and delivering high-quality solutions.
Speaking of careers, see open roles and submit an application here.
Yakov and Partners Career Path
What is the career hierarchy at Yakov? Career levels are categorized into two main groups: Client Service Professionals and Office Service Professionals.
Client Service Professionals are directly involved in client-facing work. These professionals work closely with clients to understand their needs, develop solutions, and implement changes.
The career path for Client Service Professionals: Business Analyst > Senior Business Analyst > Associate > Engagement Manager > Director > Partner
On the other hand, Office Service Professionals support the internal operations of the firm and are organized into three levels: Junior, Middle, and Senior. Each level represents a progression of experience, responsibility, and expertise. Junior professionals typically handle foundational tasks, Middle professionals manage more complex responsibilities, and Senior professionals lead teams or departments.
What Level Do Undergrads Break in at?
Undergraduates have the opportunity to land a role at Yakov starting in the third year of their university studies through the part-time Internship program. This program provides students with practical, hands-on experience on client projects while allowing them to balance their academic commitments.
Students in their fourth year can apply to Yakov's full-time internship or as Business Analyst Interns, which offers a more immersive experience and the chance to work closely with teams on client projects. This structure helps undergraduates develop their consulting tool kit, gain valuable industry knowledge, and build their professional networks, preparing them for potential full-time roles within the organization after graduation.
What Level Do MBA Hires Break in at?
MBA hires typically enter the firm at the Associate level. As Associates, they are expected to bring strong analytical skills, functional expertise, leadership qualities, and the ability to manage projects effectively. This role is designed for individuals who have a solid foundation of business knowledge and experience gained through their MBA programs and previous roles.
Yakov Recruiting Tips
One sure-fire way to stand out in the recruiting process at Yakov and Partners is through networking. Networking allows you to get a foot in the door and build advocates inside the firm who can vouch for your application when it comes through. But it's critical to network before applying!
You'll want to network with current members of the firm - prioritizing those you have a connection to (i.e., alum of your school, mutual friends). They can offer valuable advice and accurate information on what to expect during the application and interview process. Learn more about how to ace the networking process here.
One important element of the networking and application process is your resume. It must showcase the skills that Yakov is seeking and the impact you've driven throughout your career. Improve your odds of impressing in your networking interactions and landing an interview by working with Management Consulted on custom edits.
Yakov and Partners Culture
The culture at Yakov and Partners is similar to the culture at McKinsey, Bain, and BCG because the core team is largely made up of former MBB consultants. It is something of an achievement that the firm has been able to unite former employees from McKinsey, BCG, and Bain - traditionally seen as separate entities and competitors - into a cohesive group.
The firm reports strong participation in annual alumni gatherings - which speaks volumes to the culture at Yakov. Speaking of alumni, the firm has one of the largest professional services alumni clubs in Russia.
What are the Firm's Core Values?
The firm prioritizes 3 core "principle" or values:
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- Talent - Attracting and developing smart, motivated, and talented employees
- Centrality - Working on the most complex, important, and unconventional problems
- Meaningful Impact - Focus on results and long-term partnerships
The company does its best to embody these principles and live by its mission statement: “We are an environment where people achieve their fullest potential by solving the most important and complex challenges of our clients and business partners, thereby making a long-term positive impact on the world.”
Like any company, it doesn't always hit the target, but leadership appears to do more than just pay lip service to the values.
What About the People at Yakov?
Folks at Yakov are about as diverse a group as you'll encounter - including PhDs, authors, STEM competition winners, valedictorians, musicians, doctors, industry experts, and professional athletes. The firm has managed to hire some of the brightest minds in the industry, which it claims as a competitive advantage (which - people are every consulting firm's competitive advantage... but we digress).
Hear what one consultant had to say about the people at Yakov:
"Yakov and Partners is a place where the most empathetic people work, where you can be yourself, and where I know I will continually develop new qualities and abilities."
Benefits and Work-Life Balance at Yakov
Yakov and Partners offers a highly competitive benefits package and a range of exceptional perks designed to support employees' well-being and satisfaction. Specifics are hard to find, but current employees seem happy with the benefits at the firm.
Like any top consulting firm, you'll often work long, hard hours. You'll go through periods of imbalance - long days and nights (e.g., cranking out deliverables at the end of a project) - along with periods of balance where you'll have time to hit the gym in the morning or take a long coffee break in the afternoon.
The firm, in an effort to promote a sustainable work-life balance, offers a variety of programs designed to support and enhance employees' personal well-being. These initiatives include flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, mental health resources, and more.
Not too shabby. On the same level as MBB? No - but Yakov is not far behind.
Training and Professional Development
The firm places a heavy emphasis on professional development and is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning. In this, the firm provides access to the best expertise and resources for professional growth.
This emphasis on professional growth looks like a combination of formal training programs, coaching, and mentorship, as well as hands-on experience gained from client projects. The formal training programs cover a broad range of skills and knowledge areas, enabling consultants to continuously enhance their expertise.
Additionally, Yakov's coaching and mentorship initiatives are designed to help employees at all levels grow professionally and personally by pairing them with experienced mentors who offer insights, share their expertise, and help navigate career paths within the firm. The firm has a buddy and shadowing program for all new employees to ensure a smooth integration into the company.
Hear firsthand what an employee had to share with us about professional development at the firm:
"Yakov and Partners is all about growth. I didn't expect that, upon joining the company, I would find so many opportunities for growth, despite having already worked in the industry for a long time."
Travel Requirements at Yakov and Partners
Yakov is a global firm with global clients, and travel is a requirement for most client-facing roles. The firm does provide some autonomy to consultants to choose assignments that align with their professional goals and personal preferences - which is more than we can say for many leading consultancies.
However, you are likely to be on the road at least 2 out of every 4 weeks. If that model doesn't fit your lifestyle, Yakov may not be the right place for you.
Does Yakov Invest in Social Impact Initiatives?
As stated earlier, Yakov traditionally invests 10% of profits into projects that have a positive impact on society in the form of pro bono work. Consultants who choose to engage in these projects get to apply their skills in a more meaningful way while fostering a sense of purpose. Here are several examples of pro bono clients at Yakov:
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- Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
- Charitable Foundations:
- “Life as a Miracle”
- “Anton is Nearby”
Yakov and Partners Salaries
What can you expect for compensation at Yakov? The firm understands that attracting and retaining the best talent requires competitive compensation and offers starting salaries that are competitive with the market for consulting roles. You can expect starting salaries that are in line with (if not slightly below) MBB salaries.
Yakov Interviews
Let's say you've done your due diligence on the company and your target role, created an epic resume, and executed a brilliant networking strategy - what happens when you get to the interview stage?
Before you get there, you'll have to pass a digital assessment referred to as the Problem Solving Test. This assessment is designed to weed out candidates who don't have the analytical and problem solving chops to do the job. It's not an easy assessment to pass - only around 15% of applicants pass and move on to the interview stage at Yakov and Partners. And only about 1% of candidates receive offers. As you can tell, the hiring process at Yakov and Partners is extremely selective.
If you make it to the interview stage, you'll start with a screening call with a member of the firm's Talent Acquisition team to assess initial fit and qualifications. Then, you'll be invited to navigate two rounds of case interviews to further evaluate your problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.
The first round of interviews is conducted by Yakov and Partners consultants. Those who successfully navigate the first round are then invited to a final round of interviews led by senior consultants and leadership. Each round of interviews typically consists of multiple individual interviews, with each interview lasting one hour.
Yakov and Partner case interviews are interviewer-led, meaning that during interviews, the interviewer guides the candidate through the case, asking specific questions and prompting for particular types of analysis or insights. This approach allows the firm to assess how candidates think critically and logically under pressurized conditions, evaluate their problem-solving abilities, and understand how they approach complex business challenges.
By leading the interview process, Yakov's interviewers can ensure that the discussion covers key areas of interest while providing candidates with a structured environment to showcase their analytical skills, creativity, and adaptability. This method also helps candidates stay focused and aligned with the firm's expectations, offering a clear sense of how the firm works and what it values in its consultants.
Then, of course, if you excel in the final round, you'll be extended an offer to join the firm!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this deep-dive into one of the top consulting companies in Russia! If the combination of strategy and implementation work gets you excited, you may want to consider a role with Yakov and Partners. Check out the firm's careers page to see current openings and for information on how to apply.