Draft:Alba Partners

Alba Partners

Overview
Alba Partners Limited is a management consultancy firm headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, with additional offices in London, Riyadh, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Founded in 2020, the company specialises in programme delivery, business transformation, and technology services.

Alongside the typical consulting approach, the firm applies an advisory model which provides clients access deep industry expertise to address complex business and regulatory challenges. Several other consulting firms also employ similar models. For example, FTI Consulting utilises senior advisors who provide specialised insights and guidance across various industries, drawing from their extensive executive experience. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) employs senior advisors and executive coaches to help senior leaders and leadership teams drive transformational change and set the foundation for long-term impact. .

History
Alba Partners was established by Richard and Carol Jacobs in 2020. The firm quickly expanded its operations and team, reinforcing its presence in the UK and the Middle East. The company has grown its leadership team with several senior hires to support its expanding client base and service offerings.

Richard and Carol Jacobs both previously worked at Accenture, leaving Accenture to address what they saw as a gap in the market for high-quality consulting services that were more accessible and flexible for mid-market and smaller clients.

Richard Jacobs previously worked at BCS Consulting. BCS Consulting was known for its strong focus on the UK financial services sector. Jacobs exited BCS Consulting following its acquisition by Accenture in 2021, a move that aimed to bolster Accenture’s consulting and technology services capabilities within the UK financial services industry.

In November 2023, Alba Partners appointed Graeme Jones as chairman. Jones, who previously served as the CEO of Scottish Financial Enterprise.

In 2024, Alba Partners was awarded Gold for project management by Consultancy UK, alongside Alvarez and Marsal, BDO, and FTI Consulting. Additionally, the firm was recognised with Gold in change management alongside IBM Consulting and Willis Towers Watson.

Leadership
Graeme Jones, Chairman

The leadership team at Alba Partners includes:
 * Richard Jacobs, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer
 * Carol Jacobs, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer
 * Edward James, Public Sector Practice Head
 * Charles Churchill, Financial Services Practice Head

The Senior Advisors at the company have experience in senior leadership roles such as Chief Risk Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and other business leadership positions across financial institutions such as HSBC, Santander UK, Rabobank, Virgin Money UK, MUFG, and Credit Suisse.

Locations
Alba Partners operates from:
 * Edinburgh and London in the UK
 * Riyadh, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East