Bruce Henderson (1915-1992) was an American business consultant, strategist, and founder of the prestigious management consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in the field of strategic management and is considered as one of the founding fathers of the modern consulting industry.
Bruce Henderson earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and his MBA from Harvard Business School. In 1963, he founded BCG with the vision of assisting corporations in achieving sustainable competitive advantage through strategic planning and analysis. Under his leadership, BCG became one of the most influential and respected management consulting firms worldwide.
Henderson emphasized the importance of understanding industry dynamics, competitive forces, and market opportunities for successful strategic decision-making. He introduced several key concepts including the growth-share matrix, five forces analysis, experience curve, and time-based competition, which revolutionized the way organizations approached strategic planning.
Bruce Henderson pioneered a data-driven approach to strategic management, employing rigorous analysis and empirical evidence to guide decision-making. His methodologies provided a systematic framework for evaluating business opportunities, assessing market positions, and formulating growth strategies.
Henderson's influence extended far beyond the confines of his consulting work. He authored numerous articles and papers on strategy and management, contributing to the academic understanding of the field. His work continues to shape the practice of modern management and remains highly influential among business leaders and scholars today.
Bruce Henderson's legacy as a visionary thought-leader and strategic management expert has left an indelible mark on the business world, inspiring countless organizations to adopt a systematic and analytical approach to strategic decision-making.
