Much of our work focuses on helping clients transform their operations and locate growth. We work with capital equipment manufacturers, fabless companies, integrated-device manufacturers and foundry companies, as well as adjacent players. Over the last 5 years, we have served 8 out of the 10 largest companies in the semiconductor value chain.
Semiconductors are powering more and more of the things that surround us in our everyday lives, and they evolve with breathtaking speed. It’s a challenging business because semiconductor development projects are long and complex, but semiconductor technology life cycles are often measured in months. As such, the development of semiconductors is one of the steepest challenges in all of product development.
Within this dynamic environment, McKinsey’s global Semiconductor Practice is the leading global management consultant, with the scale and scope for unparalleled insights and capabilities across the entire semiconductor eco-system. We also cover all geographies and functional areas to help our clients address challenges and find opportunities for growth.
What we do
Our expertise and global scale allow us to bring a fundamentally different approach to serving clients in the semiconductor sector. We have an unparalleled track record of delivering results across a wide range of topics. We can address strategic challenges, such as developing growth strategies or go-to-market strategies, but we also have expertise in portfolio strategy, sales excellence and large-scale transformation programs. Our operations expertise extends from capital productivity, to product development processes and R&D efficiency. Change management, post-merger integration and sales channel management—all in the semiconductor context—are other core specialties.
Our People
Our Semiconductor Practice consists of 300 consultants serving the key companies across the semiconductor value chain. Many have worked in semiconductor companies prior to joining McKinsey, and/or have advanced degrees in mathematics, engineering, and physics. These consultants combine hands-on experience in electronics and engineering with a rigorous training in business management.
Not only do our consultants serve many of the largest chip manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and other industry players, but they also work with industry associations, private investors, consortia and governments to understand and shape the semiconductor industry’s future. For example, when a major research consortium needed to redefine its mission and governance, it asked McKinsey to lead the effort. Relationships like this give us a unique perspective on the forces shaping this vibrant, global industry.