Marvin Bower

Date of Birth: August 1, 1903

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: January 22, 2003

Biography

Marvin Bower was a pioneering businessman and a pivotal figure in the world of management consulting. Born on August 1, 1903, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bower is best known for his long tenure at McKinsey & Company, where he played an instrumental role in shaping the firm into one of the most prestigious management consulting firms globally. After earning his law degree from Harvard Law School, he also attended Harvard Business School. Bower joined McKinsey in 1933 when the firm was still in its infancy. His vision and leadership were crucial in transforming McKinsey into a global powerhouse. Bower emphasized the importance of professional ethics, client relationships, and the development of a robust corporate culture. He retired from active roles in the company in 1967 but continued to influence the field of management consultancy until his death on January 22, 2003.

5 Interesting Facts about Marvin Bower

1. Marvin Bower is often credited with setting the professional standards and ethics that modern management consulting firms follow today.

2. He introduced the concept of “professionalism” in consulting, which included rigorous adherence to ethical standards and a focus on client interests.

3. Bower was instrumental in establishing McKinsey’s principle of staffing client engagements with small, high-performing teams.

4. He authored several books on management, including “Perspective on McKinsey” and “The Will to Manage.”

5. Bower was an advocate for the idea that a firm’s success depends on the quality and integrity of its people rather than its size or market share.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marvin Bower

1. “A business of high principle attracts high-caliber people more easily, thereby gaining a basic competitive and profit edge.”

2. “If you are committed to excellence, you will do the best work you are capable of doing.”

3. “The professional approach to business is the only approach that can produce long-term success.”

4. “Integrity is the essence of everything successful.”

5. “The best consultants are those who understand their clients’ business as well as or better than the clients themselves.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Marvin Bower’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but his influence and contributions to McKinsey & Company have left a lasting legacy valued in the billions.

Children

Marvin Bower was married to Helen Wadsworth Bower, and they had three children together: a son, Richard Bower, and two daughters, Elizabeth Bower and Susan Bower.