Teneo: Careers, Salary, and Interview Guide for Consultants

Key Insights:

• Teneo is a global CEO advisory firm with 1,500+ employees, 40+ offices, and headquarters in New York.
• Teneo careers offer roles from analyst to senior managing director, advising C-suite clients on strategy and transformation.
• A Teneo internship provides hands-on consulting experience, mentorship, and networking for rising college seniors.
• Teneo interview process combines fit and case interviews to assess problem-solving and cultural alignment.
• Teneo salary averages £46,000 for entry-level consultants in London, with bonuses and growth opportunities at senior levels.

Teneo is a global CEO advisory firm known for guiding senior leaders through financial advisory, management consulting, risk advisory, and strategy and communications. With over 1,500 employees across 40+ offices, a Teneo career offers exposure to C-suite clients and high-profile projects. Whether you are curious about Teneo careers, preparing for a Teneo interview, or benchmarking Teneo salary expectations, this guide provides the insights you need. In this article, we will explore Teneo’s history, practice areas, internships, culture, interview process, and compensation to help you decide if Teneo is the right fit for your consulting career path.

What are the key stats about Teneo?

Teneo is a CEO advisory firm headquartered in New York with more than 1,500 employees and over 40 offices worldwide. The firm is led by CEO Paul Keary and backed by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, which supports its expansion and acquisition strategy.

Key facts about Teneo include:

• Headquarters: New York, United States
• Founded: 2011 by Declan Kelly, Paul Keary, and Doug Band
• Employees: 1,500+
• Global Offices: 40+ across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America
• CEO: Paul Keary
• Ownership: Partially backed by CVC Capital Partners

These details provide a quick snapshot of Teneo’s global scale, leadership, and ownership structure, giving candidates a clear picture of the firm’s position in the consulting industry.

What is the history of Teneo?

Teneo was founded in 2011 by Declan Kelly, Paul Keary, and Doug Band and has grown into a global CEO advisory firm with over 40 offices and 1,500 employees. The company expanded through acquisitions and attracted private equity backing from CVC Capital Partners in 2019 to accelerate growth.

Teneo’s growth story includes:

• 2011: Founded in New York
• 2015 to 2018: Expanded globally with new offices in Europe, Asia, and Latin America
• 2019: Secured investment from CVC Capital Partners
• Acquisitions: Integrated businesses such as KPMG’s Bermuda restructuring division, Deloitte’s UK restructuring practice, and WestExec Advisors

This history reflects Teneo’s strategy of combining organic expansion with targeted acquisitions, building a reputation as a trusted advisor to global leaders.

What careers does Teneo offer?

Teneo careers give consultants the opportunity to advise C-suite executives on strategy, transformation, and risk across multiple industries. Professionals work on high-profile projects with Fortune 100 clients while developing leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills that support long-term career growth.

A career at Teneo typically includes:

• Entry-level roles: Analyst and associate positions for recent graduates
• Mid-level roles: Senior associate and manager positions with client-facing responsibilities
• Leadership roles: Senior managing directors and partners shaping firm strategy and client engagement
• Core values: Relentless client focus, inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, and integrity

For candidates, a Teneo career offers both exposure to global business leaders and opportunities for professional development in consulting and advisory services.

Does Teneo offer internships?

Yes, Teneo offers internships for rising college seniors that provide hands-on experience in consulting and advisory work. Interns gain exposure to client projects, develop analytical and research skills, and participate in networking and professional development programs designed to prepare them for full-time roles.

Internship highlights include:

• Duration: Typically 8 to 10 weeks in summer
• Focus areas: Research, data analysis, and qualitative problem-solving
• Learning opportunities: Workshops, mentorship, and networking events
• Career path: Many interns convert to full-time analysts upon graduation

For students seeking a consulting career, a Teneo internship is a valuable entry point to professional growth and future opportunities at the firm.

What does Teneo do and what are its practice areas?

Teneo is a CEO advisory firm that provides services in financial advisory, management consulting, people advisory, risk advisory, and strategy and communications. These practice areas help clients address challenges from business transformation and M&A to organizational design and new market entry.

Teneo’s main practice areas include:

• Financial advisory: Restructuring, capital structure, and transactions
• Management consulting: Growth strategy, transformation, and operations
• People advisory: Leadership, organizational design, and HR strategy
• Risk advisory: Cybersecurity, compliance, and crisis management
• Strategy and communications: Reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and corporate positioning

These services reflect Teneo’s focus on advising senior leaders in complex environments where strategy, finance, and reputation intersect.

Which industries does Teneo serve?

Teneo serves a wide range of industries including private equity, retail and consumer products, software and IT, telecommunications, and transportation and utilities. The firm’s diversified industry coverage allows consultants to work with global corporations, investors, and boards on strategic, financial, and organizational challenges.

Key industries include:

• Private equity: Portfolio strategy, deal advisory, and restructuring
• Retail and consumer products: Market entry, brand positioning, and supply chain
• Software and IT: Digital transformation, growth strategy, and integration
• Telecommunications: Regulatory strategy, pricing, and customer engagement
• Transportation and utilities: Infrastructure, operational improvement, and risk management

This broad industry exposure helps consultants at Teneo develop versatile skills while contributing to impactful projects across global markets.

Where are Teneo’s office locations worldwide?

Teneo has more than 40 global offices spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Key locations include major business hubs such as New York, London, Singapore, and São Paulo, reflecting the firm’s ability to support multinational clients across regions and industries.

Notable Teneo office locations:

• North America: New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Montreal
• Latin America: São Paulo
• Europe: London, Berlin, Paris
• Asia-Pacific: Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne

This international presence provides consultants with global exposure and opportunities to collaborate across markets and cultures.

What is the career path at Teneo?

The career path at Teneo typically begins with analyst or associate roles and progresses through senior associate, manager, and director levels to senior managing director and partner. Advancement depends on performance, client impact, and leadership potential rather than a fixed timeline.

Career progression overview:

• Analyst/Associate: Entry-level consulting positions for graduates
• Senior Associate/Manager: Mid-level roles with client delivery responsibility
• Director: Leadership of projects and client accounts
• Senior Managing Director/Partner: Strategic leadership and firm growth

Teneo emphasizes professional development and mentorship, helping consultants grow into leadership roles while building a global advisory career.

What exit opportunities do Teneo consultants have?

Teneo consultants often transition into investment management, investment banking, and corporate development roles. The firm’s exposure to strategic and financial advisory work makes its alumni strong candidates for high-level opportunities across finance, corporate strategy, and private equity.

Common exit paths include:

• Investment management: Portfolio analysis and fund strategy
• Investment banking: Mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and deal advisory
• Corporate development: In-house strategy and growth roles at Fortune 500 companies

These exit opportunities reflect the strong career platform Teneo provides through its client base and advisory expertise.

Who are some notable Teneo alumni?

Notable Teneo alumni include senior leaders in business and politics such as Declan Kelly, former chairman and CEO of the Consello Group, and Huma Abedin, who served as vice chair of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Alumni often move into high-profile roles in strategy, politics, and corporate leadership.

Examples of well-known Teneo alumni:

• Declan Kelly: Co-founder of Teneo, now chairman and CEO of the Consello Group
• Huma Abedin: Political advisor and campaign strategist, formerly deputy chief of staff to Hillary Clinton
• Other executives: Alumni working in senior leadership roles across investment, corporate strategy, and advisory

These alumni highlight the firm’s influence and the caliber of professionals who have advanced their careers after Teneo.

What schools does Teneo recruit from?

Teneo recruits heavily from top universities, particularly in the UK, with strong representation from Cambridge, Oxford, and the London School of Economics. Other target schools include the University of Manchester and University College Dublin, reflecting Teneo’s concentration of employees in Europe.

Key Teneo recruiting schools:

• University of Cambridge: 60+ employees
• University of Oxford: 59+ employees
• London School of Economics: 50+ employees
• University of Manchester: 30+ employees
• University College Dublin: 30+ employees

Knowing these target schools helps applicants understand where Teneo focuses its outreach and where candidates may have stronger alumni networks.

How does Teneo support diversity and inclusion?

Teneo supports diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups and programs that foster belonging across gender, culture, and LGBTQ+ communities. These initiatives encourage collaboration, professional growth, and inclusive leadership within the firm’s global offices.

Teneo’s diversity programs include:

• Pride Network: Supporting LGBTQ+ employees
• Gender Diversity Network: Promoting equity in leadership roles
• Multicultural Network: Celebrating and supporting cultural diversity

By investing in these programs, Teneo demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and building a supportive workplace culture for all employees.

What is the culture like at Teneo?

The culture at Teneo is fast-paced and client-focused, with opportunities to work on high-profile projects for global leaders. Employees report that the environment is challenging yet rewarding, offering professional growth, collaboration, and exposure to senior executives early in their careers.

Insights from employees include:

• Pros: Interesting work, exposure to major clients, dynamic projects
• Cons: Long hours and a demanding pace that may not fit all working styles

Overall, Teneo’s culture suits individuals who thrive in a high-pressure, client-driven environment and seek accelerated professional development.

What is the interview process at Teneo?

The interview process at Teneo typically includes a fit interview focused on motivation and values, followed by a technical or case interview that tests problem-solving skills. Depending on geography and timing, the process may also include additional rounds with managers or senior directors.

Key elements of the Teneo interview:

• Fit interview: Questions such as “Why Teneo?” or “Tell me about a mistake you made”
• Case interview: Business scenarios requiring structured problem-solving and analysis
• Process variation: Campus recruiting vs. off-cycle hiring may follow different timelines
• Preparation tip: Candidates should practice both behavioral answers and case frameworks

This process helps Teneo assess not only technical ability but also alignment with the firm’s values and client-facing standards.

How much does Teneo pay consultants?

Teneo pays consultants competitively, with entry-level salaries around £46,000 in London plus a £3,000 signing bonus. Compensation varies by location and level, but pay is generally comparable to other mid-sized consulting firms and grows significantly with seniority and client responsibilities.

Teneo salary benchmarks:

• Entry-level consultants: ~£46,000 base plus ~£3,000 sign-on (London)
• Mid-level roles: Higher base with performance bonuses
• Senior consultants and directors: Six-figure packages depending on geography and experience
• Competitive context: Salaries align with market averages for strategy and advisory firms

For candidates, Teneo’s salary structure reflects both competitive pay and opportunities for progression within the consulting industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Teneo part of Deloitte?
A: Teneo is not part of Deloitte. Teneo is an independent CEO advisory firm specializing in management consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, and strategy and communications.

Q: Who is Teneo owned by?
A: Teneo is majority-owned by CVC Capital Partners, a global private equity firm. The ownership supports Teneo’s growth in strategy, financial advisory, and people advisory services worldwide. 

Q: Who are Teneo's clients?
A: Teneo’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and leading global organizations that seek guidance on business transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational design.

Q: Who competes with Teneo?
A: Teneo competes with major consulting and advisory firms such as McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and Accenture, especially in corporate strategy, risk advisory, and communications consulting.

Q: Why did Declan Kelly leave Teneo?
A: Declan Kelly resigned as Teneo CEO in 2021 following allegations of inappropriate behavior at a charity event, marking a significant moment in Teneo’s history.