OC&C Strategy Consultants appoints Mairi Fairley as chair
Mairi Fairley has been elected as chair of OC&C’s shareholder committee. As a prominent figure in the OC&C Women’s Network, the firm says her appointment marks “a significant milestone” in its governance and leadership.
Global Managing Partner Will Hayllar explained, “Mairi’s election is a testament to her leadership and expertise, alongside OC&C’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-impact leadership culture I look forward to working closely with Mairi to ensure our firm continues to thrive and develop the next generation of diverse talent.”
As Chair, Mairi Fairley will play a central role in supporting the long-term delivery of the firm’s strategy, providing counsel and support to the firm’s executive leadership team led by Hayllar. Central to this will be continuing to support the expansion and growth of the firm and ensuring it maintains its reputation for both consulting, and as a welcoming home for strategy talent.
OC&C Strategy Consultants is a global strategy boutique, with more than 30 years of experience in helping clients to solve complex business challenges. As it strives to grow its team, the consultancy has been acknowledged for its diversity efforts on multiple fronts, including ranking highly for its support of LGBT+ colleagues, and equalising paid parental leave across its global offices.
Fairley’s journey with the firm has regularly intersected with such efforts. Having joined OC&C in 2007, she rose through the ranks as a retail strategy expert – before stepping into industry to lead strategy and international at premium womenswear brand Hobbs, where she successfully built the international business, delivered a turnaround strategy and transaction before returning to OC&C. Since then, she has provided a key voice in the apparel sector through non-executive and advisory work, while also being the first partner to champion flexible working and shared parental leave.
At the same time, within the firm, Fairley is recognised as a prominent figure in the OC&C Women’s Network. In this role Mairi mentors, advocates, and champions career progression for women in consulting. Noted by the firm as both “a mother and business leader”, a release from OC&C added that she brings a unique and valued perspective on leadership, career progression, and being a working parent – while noting her election in a “predominantly male-dominated” industry is a testament to her leadership, expertise, and the trust of her colleagues.
Speaking on her latest challenge, Fairley added, “I am honoured and incredibly excited to step in to the role of Chair at OC&C. It is a privilege to lead alongside such talented individuals and I look forward to continuing to support the growth and continued success of the firm.”
