David Orr named Chartered Management Consultant of the Year 2023

The 26th annual MCA Awards saw 30 consultancies lauded for their impact across the UK’s economy and society as a whole – as well as up-and-coming individuals with whom the industry’s future rests. Among the prize winners in the individual categories was Mott MacDonald expert David Orr, who triumphed in the Chartered Management Consultant of the Year shortlist – and subsequently picked up the prestigious Consultant of the Year prize too.

The Management Consultancies Association (MCA) has marked the beginning of a new era for its showpiece awards ceremony, hosting the event in a glamourous new venue. The 26th edition of the MCA Awards saw more than 1,100 consultants, clients, government officials and media representatives converge on the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair district.

One of the highlights of the night was the prize for the Chartered Management Consultant (ChMC) of the Year – helping to acknowledge the impact of the industry’s first chartered certification process by the MCA and the Chartered Management Institution. This year, eight contenders for the award were selected as finalists.

Georgina Letts from PwC received a highly commended award for being an engaging and influential ambassador who embodies the core qualities of a chartered professional in action. She was joined by a second highly commended individual, in Ellie Wilkes of EY, whose “passion and authenticity” were praised by the judges.

There could only be one outright winner, though, and after much deliberation, the MCA’s judging panel selected David Orr to take home the prize. Described by the judges as “an amazing individual” who was nominated for the sheer impact of his work and his great dedication, the Mott MacDonald consultant became the second person to win the ChMC of the Year trophy, since its launch in 2022.

Orr commented, “When people consider pursuing the ChMC accreditation, they sometimes wonder if it's worth the effort and investment. It is! My decision to pursue Chartered status was driven by its multifaceted appeal, with a significant draw being the challenge it presented. From the outset, it was evident that chartered status stands for rigour and excellence. Receiving the title of Chartered Management of the Year at the MCA 2023 Awards is a gratifying and humbling moment. It’s a huge honour to have been shortlisted alongside such talented nominees.”

The prize was not the end of Orr’s night on the MCA’s stage, though. The final individual award of the night, contested by the winners of all the other categories, also saw him named as The Times Consultant of the Year.

Ann Francke, CEO of the CMI – and who presented the ChMC prize to Orr – said, "Congratulations to David Orr on winning the Chartered Management Consultant of the Year, as well as The Times Overall Consultant of the Year. Chartered Management Consultant status is an accolade that empowers consultants to elevate their firms' performance and amplify their positive economic and social contributions. We are excited about the future impact of the outstanding individuals who hold Chartered status and how it will further benefit consultancies in meeting the diverse needs of their clients, staff, and society at large.” 

A full list of the MCA Awards 2023 winners can be found here.