Arthur D. Little marks 135th anniversary with new branding

In the year the firm celebrates its 135th anniversary, Arthur D. Little has launched a new brand identity.

In 1886 Arthur Dehon Little laid the foundation for Arthur D. Little. This means that (according to most records) the company is the world’s oldest management consulting firm. The global consultancy specialises in topics at the intersection of strategy, innovation and transformation in technology-intensive and converging industries.

Ten years after its return to independence (the firm’s partners completed a buyout in 2011), Arthur D. Little has now unveiled its new brand, accompanied by a brand-new website and visual identity.

“I am proud of the successful journey our company has made, and want to thank every one of my colleagues for making it possible. Our new branding reflects our more personal and open approach to consulting,” said Ignacio García Alves, Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arthur D. Little.

The journey García Alves refers to has seen the consultancy double both its headcount and list of locations (35+ worldwide), while taking its partner tally to more than 100 for the first time in its history. This last milestone was passed at a time when many of the firm’s consulting industry peers are struggling to weather a Covid-19-induced downturn, let alone grow – making the achievement particularly notable.

In particular, the new branding emphasises the firm’s personal X-factor, which it calls ‘The Difference’, which helps it stand out from the crowd in the consulting market. This means the company’s new logo draws attention by the ‘D’ in Arthur D. Little, elevating it to place it at the heart of the brand – and, as a statement from the firm suggested, “symbolising an open window towards the future.”

According to a release from Arthur D. Little, one of the key ways in which the company differentiates itself in the market is through its promotion and embrace of an ‘open consulting model’ – a hybrid approach which complements the traditional consulting staffing model with independent consultants, adding on-demand specialist expertise and flexibility to engagements.

This working style draws on a worldwide network of experts, and ensures that only the best possible people address each client’s specific challenges. Meanwhile, another core difference is a commitment to work side-by-side with Arthur D. Little’s clients as an integrated part of their teams, tailoring solutions that are right for their needs.

“Next generation infrastructures, new technologies, digitialisation, convergence and sustainability are transforming both the world and the business of our clients,” García Alves said. “It is our duty to meet their changing needs – and to anticipate those in the future. We are the ambidextrous consulting firm – both creative and pragmatic, meeting the challenges of today and embracing the opportunities of tomorrow. This is the difference we make to our clients.”