About us:
Who we are and what drives us
Discover our history, values, and milestones. Learn what guides our actions and which awards are particularly important to us. Get to know our partnerships and companies.
Our consulting approach puts people at the center and makes organizations fit for the future.
From our founding to becoming the No. 1 change consultancy in Germany—let our story inspire you.
Excellence is no coincidence: Find out why we regularly receive awards for our work and culture.
Achieving more together – read about the partner companies that support our customers' success.
Whether in Frankfurt, Vienna, or Shanghai, our locations combine local strength with international experience.
Our consulting approach puts people at the center and makes organizations fit for the future.
From our founding to becoming the No. 1 change consultancy in Germany—let our story inspire you.
Excellence is no coincidence: Find out why we regularly receive awards for our work and culture.
Achieving more together – read about the partner companies that support our customers' success.
"The goal of our consulting services is to create a positive work environment in which people are at the center of all changes."
Clemens Heisinger, Partner at CPC
01 What sets us apart
Consultants worldwide at your service.
Successful projects for our customers.
Focus on
Change Management.
of DAX40 companies trust us.
Consultants worldwide at your service.
Successful projects for our customers.
Focus on
Change Management.
of DAX40 companies trust us.
1. We understand business
In order to advise organizations on change projects, you need an entrepreneurial mindset and a knack for business. For us, change management is not an end in itself, but always has economic justification.
2. We operate globally
Unless we are already on site, we go where our customers need us. We implement international concepts right from the start.
3. We think change digitally
4. We strengthen everyone in the team
"Our values: Entrepreneurship, personal development, and teamwork for shared success and a high level of responsibility in projects."
Anne Babilon-Teubenbacher, Partner at CPC
02 Our values
03 The CPC Story
The history of CPC begins on a former farm in central Hesse. In 1993, three managers from one of the world's largest management consultancies founded "Connex Personnel Consulting GmbH" on the ground floor of this farm.
During the week, the founding members work and live together in the old half-timbered house, as they come from different parts of Germany. They are united by a common vision: to create a consulting firm that provides advice that is just as professional as that of established consulting firms, but with a fresh, atypical approach for the industry. This approach includes the participation of all employees—not just the partners—in the company, the promotion of professional and personal employee development, and the lowest possible staff turnover. In addition, the founders deliberately want to avoid the often arrogant and self-important attitude attributed to the industry. This aspiration is reflected in their slogan: "Competent consulting—without arrogance."
In its early years, small and medium-sized enterprises were CPC's most important customer base. During this time, the company built up extensive expertise in reengineering and change management. However, small and medium-sized enterprises proved to be challenging customers. Although there was an undisputed need for consulting services, the companies' financial resources were often limited. Therefore, the motto was often: "The faster the reorganization project shows success, the faster you're out of there."
Since its founding, CPC has grown by 15 to 20% annually. In the first three years, this meant hiring one to two new colleagues. When selecting new employees, the founders paid particular attention to whether they owned their own car so that they could drive to customers throughout Germany. But by 1996, the number of applications had exploded – within three weeks, the company received mail from 600 potential candidates. Application documents piled up in laundry baskets in the hallways and offices. A sophisticated selection process was developed and refined over the years. The goal: to find young talent who are both talented and willing to get involved in projects without the typical consultant airs and graces. In 1997, the company was converted into a stock corporation. This put the successful model of employee participation on a new footing. To this day, more than 80% of the company is owned by active employees.
With an increasing focus on large companies, "project management" was introduced as a further area of focus at the end of the 1990s. Large companies were handling more and more projects, while project management methods were still underdeveloped within corporations. This presented an opportunity to tailor project management to specific customer needs. As a result, CPC quickly built up further expertise and offered a wide range of project services. This proved to be a real growth driver, as even younger consultants were able to quickly become productive and offer customers immediate added value.
Since 2000, CPC has also focused on the topic of "reality training." When undergoing strategic changes, such as implementing new management guidelines or a service excellence model, corporations face the challenge of persuading many managers to change their thinking. Reality training enables participants to experience "before and after" behavior under realistic conditions. Through their own perceptions, coaching, and feedback, they question old ways of acting and develop the motivation to reorient themselves.
The fruits of the investment-oriented company policy are becoming increasingly visible. In 2003, CPC and T-Systems receive the ZfU IBSContinuing Education Award for the Dolphin Management Development Program. In 2007, CPC is honored with the International German Training Award for its reality training programs. At the same time, demand for project services for large-scale projects rises sharply. More and more companies want to play it safe with their most important projects and hire CPC consultants for key project tasks. By the end of 2007, CPC has more than 50 permanent consultants under contract.
Also in 2008, CPC receives the award for Top Employer in Germany for the first time, presented by Handelsblatt/Junge Karriere and CRF. This honor reflects the high level of employee satisfaction and shows how strongly they identify with the company.
In 2011, we expanded our global footprint and opened an office in Beijing. Numerous employees spent the following years in China, contributing significantly to CPC generating 20% of its revenue in this dynamic region shortly thereafter. In 2012, we moved our headquarters to the modern The Squaire building at Frankfurt Airport, where we are still based today. A year later, another change was on the horizon: CPC went "green." Since then, our corporate identity has been shining in vibrant green colors, which not only visually but also symbolically represent our fresh and dynamic corporate philosophy.
Our expansion continues in 2015: In Turkey, we find a promising consulting market that enables us to take on numerous exciting projects in the field of transformation management.
In 2018, we are doing everything we can to establish ourselves as the "Hidden Champion for Change Management." This award meant a lot to us, as it is based on the ratings of our customers, who voted us the number one change management company in Germany.
2020 brings unexpected challenges: the pandemic fundamentally changes the way we work. Almost overnight, we find ourselves working from home and collaborating with our customers in virtual teams and on Miro boards. Despite initial challenges, we successfully master this change and once again prove our adaptability.
In 2021, we celebrate another milestone: our 100th customer commissions us, underscoring our steadily growing reputation in the industry. Many more clients will follow. 2022 is also a special year, as we launch our 2,500th project. This milestone shows how much we have grown since our founding in 1993 and how successfully we support our clients.
The years 2024 and 2025 promise to be exceptional once again. In January 2024, we will be named "Hidden Champion for Change Management 2024/25" for the fourth time in a row. At the same time, The Excellence Circle will be launched, a collaboration of seven outstanding consultancies that are joining forces to compete with the established top 5 in the industry.
How CPC is conquering the SME market (
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During the week, the founding members work and live together in the old half-timbered house, as they come from different parts of Germany. They are united by a common vision: to create a consulting firm that provides advice that is just as professional as that of established consulting firms, but with a fresh, atypical approach for the industry. This approach includes the participation of all employees—not just the partners—in the company, the promotion of professional and personal employee development, and the lowest possible staff turnover. In addition, the founders deliberately want to avoid the often arrogant and self-important attitude attributed to the industry. This aspiration is reflected in their slogan: "Competent consulting—without arrogance."
In its early years, small and medium-sized enterprises were CPC's most important customer base. During this time, the company built up extensive expertise in reengineering and change management. However, small and medium-sized enterprises proved to be challenging customers. Although there was an undisputed need for consulting services, the companies' financial resources were often limited. Therefore, the motto was often: "The faster the reorganization project shows success, the faster you're out of there."
Since its founding, CPC has grown by 15 to 20% annually. In the first three years, this meant hiring one to two new colleagues. When selecting new employees, the founders paid particular attention to whether they owned their own car so that they could drive to customers throughout Germany. But by 1996, the number of applications had exploded – within three weeks, the company received mail from 600 potential candidates. Application documents piled up in laundry baskets in the hallways and offices. A sophisticated selection process was developed and refined over the years. The goal: to find young talent who are both talented and willing to get involved in projects without the typical consultant airs and graces. In 1997, the company was converted into a stock corporation. This put the successful model of employee participation on a new footing. To this day, more than 80% of the company is owned by active employees.
Successful journey into the new millennium
With an increasing focus on large companies, "project management" was introduced as a further area of focus at the end of the 1990s. Large companies were handling more and more projects, while project management methods were still underdeveloped within corporations. This presented an opportunity to tailor project management to specific customer needs. As a result, CPC quickly built up further expertise and offered a wide range of project services. This proved to be a real growth driver, as even younger consultants were able to quickly become productive and offer customers immediate added value.
Since 2000, CPC has also focused on the topic of "reality training." When undergoing strategic changes, such as implementing new management guidelines or a service excellence model, corporations face the challenge of persuading many managers to change their thinking. Reality training enables participants to experience "before and after" behavior under realistic conditions. Through their own perceptions, coaching, and feedback, they question old ways of acting and develop the motivation to reorient themselves.
CPC becomes a partner for major projects in the field of
The fruits of the investment-oriented company policy are becoming increasingly visible. In 2003, CPC and T-Systems receive the ZfU IBSContinuing Education Award for the Dolphin Management Development Program. In 2007, CPC is honored with the International German Training Award for its reality training programs. At the same time, demand for project services for large-scale projects rises sharply. More and more companies want to play it safe with their most important projects and hire CPC consultants for key project tasks. By the end of 2007, CPC has more than 50 permanent consultants under contract.
CPC focuses entirely on change-
s management
s management
Another important milestone in the history of CPC is the founding of the Service Academy. This project for an international telecommunications company aims to strengthen the service skills of 2,500 managers and raise their awareness of the importance of this topic. In 2008, a total of 80 reality training sessions will take place at three different locations. At each of these training sessions, up to 30 actors, trainers, and assistants work together to provide the participants with the best possible training.
Also in 2008, CPC received the award for Top Employer in Germany for the first time, presented by Handelsblatt/Junge Karriere and CRF. This honor reflects the high level of employee satisfaction and shows how strongly employees identify with the company.
Just one year later, in 2009, we decided to consistently align our entire range of products and services with the topic of change management. This strategic step laid the foundation for future success.
In 2011, we expanded our global footprint and opened an office in Beijing. Numerous employees spent the following years in China, contributing significantly to CPC generating 20% of its revenue in this dynamic region shortly thereafter. In 2012, we moved our headquarters to the modern The Squaire building at Frankfurt Airport, where we are still based today. A year later, another change was on the horizon: CPC went "green." Since then, our corporate identity has been shining in vibrant green colors, which not only look good but also symbolize our fresh and dynamic corporate philosophy.
From Great Place to Work®
to Hidden Champion
to Hidden Champion
Our expansion continues in 2015: In Turkey, we find a promising consulting market that enables us to take on numerous exciting projects in the field of transformation management.
Confidence in our corporate culture was reaffirmed in 2016 when we were named a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year. This recognition not only helps us consolidate our position as an attractive employer year after year, but also provides us with valuable insights for our ongoing development.
In 2018, we are doing everything we can to establish ourselves as the "Hidden Champion for Change Management." This award meant a lot to us, as it is based on the ratings of our customers, who voted us the number one change management company in Germany.
Latest milestones in our success story with
Another special highlight will also take place in 2018: we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary extensively with our customers, underscoring our long-standing partnerships and successes.
2020 brings unexpected challenges: the pandemic fundamentally changes the way we work. Almost overnight, we find ourselves working from home and collaborating with our customers in virtual teams and on Miro boards. Despite initial challenges, we successfully master this change and once again prove our adaptability.
In 2021, we are celebrating another milestone: our 100th customer has placed an order with us, underscoring our steadily growing reputation in the industry. Many more customers will follow. 2022 is also a special year, as we are launching our 2,500th project. This event shows how much we have developed since our foundation in 1993 and how successfully we support our customers.
Our international expansion continues in 2023 with the founding of CPC Austria. This step expands our presence in the European market and opens up new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The years 2024 and 2025 promise to be exceptional once again. In January 2024, we will be named "Hidden Champion for Change Management 2024/25" for the fourth time in a row. At the same time, The Excellence Circle will be launched, a collaboration of seven outstanding consultancies that are joining forces to compete with the established top 5 in the industry.
Conclusion after more than 30 years:
CPC's success is based on the close cooperation of a diverse team. People who pull together and are united by a culture of commitment, entrepreneurship, and team spirit make all the difference. Our customers appreciate this quality, which is the result of targeted training, continuous coaching, and a clear understanding of values. This combination of professional competence and human interaction forms the basis for the long-standing and successful customer relationships that make CPC so special.
04 Awards
Hidden Champion for Change Management 2018–2027
Brand eins /thema – Top Consultants 2021–2026
Focus Top Consultant 2021–2023
FOCUS-Business has been recognizing Germany's top consultants since 2023 – and we have always been among them! Together with the independent research institute FactField GmbH, the best consultancies in 22 specialist areas were identified. We are particularly proud to bear the seal "Top Consultant 2021, 2022, and 2023 – Change Management." The ranking was based on recommendations from over 1,800 experts each year, including customers and industry colleagues. Around 300 consultancies with an above-average number of recommendations were honored. CPC was mentioned particularly frequently in the automotive, logistics, banking, insurance, public sector, chemical & pharmaceutical, mechanical and plant engineering, and infrastructure & mobility industries.
European Training Award 2023
Together with our client Lufthansa Technik, we have won the European Training Award 2023 in the "Mixed Training" category. The award was given to our "Vibrant Leadership" program, which sends managers on a learning journey through coaching, workshops, and digital modules to deepen their understanding of current leadership topics and exchange ideas with peers and within teams. The Professional Association for Training, Consulting, and Coaching awards this prestigious prize annually for outstanding training and continuing education programs. At the final pitch on April 27, 2023, at Villa Leonhart in Königswinter, we received the silver prize. The teams from Lufthansa Technik and CPC proudly accepted the award.
Great Place to Work® 2026
kununu Top Company 2026
Kununu will once again present the Top Company Award to the highest-rated employers on its platform in 2026. We are thrilled to be among Germany's most popular employers. A recent YouGov study shows that the Top Company seal is an important decision-making criterion for 45% of job seekers. Only 5% of all companies achieve this award, based on reviews from employees, alumni, and applicants. The kununu score changes constantly, so the Top Company seal is re-awarded annually. This ensures that current company developments are recognized. This recognition motivates us to continue promoting an attractive, modern, and value-oriented corporate culture with excellent teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit.
HR Excellence Award
CPC is the winner of the HR Excellence Award in the "Corporate Social Responsibility" category. This award honors innovative projects that promote future-oriented human resources work. We impressed the jury with our project "Fit for the German labor market – certification for refugees in companies." The project arose from the understanding that integration goes beyond hiring and that cultural differences must be taken into account in everyday working life. In numerous workshops, refugees gained insights into project management, corporate values, and application strategies. After successfully completing the final exam, participants received a certificate from TÜV Rheinland Academy, which improves their chances on the labor market.
Hidden Champion for Change Management 2026/2027
Brand eins /thema – Best Consultants 2021–2025
Focus Top Consultant 2021–2023
FOCUS-Business has been recognizing Germany's top consultants since 2023 – and we have always been among them! Together with the independent research institute FactField GmbH, the best consultancies in 22 specialist areas were identified. We are particularly proud to bear the seal "Top Consultant 2021, 2022, and 2023 – Change Management." The ranking was based on recommendations from over 1,800 experts each year, including customers and industry colleagues. Around 300 consultancies with an above-average number of recommendations were honored. CPC was mentioned particularly frequently in the automotive, logistics, banking, insurance, public sector, chemical & pharmaceutical, mechanical and plant engineering, and infrastructure & mobility industries.
European Training Award 2023
Together with our client Lufthansa Technik, we have won the European Training Award 2023 in the "Mixed Training" category. The award was given to our "Vibrant Leadership" program, which sends managers on a learning journey through coaching, workshops, and digital modules to deepen their understanding of current leadership topics and exchange ideas with peers and within teams. The Professional Association for Training, Consulting, and Coaching awards this prestigious prize annually for outstanding training and continuing education programs. At the final pitch on April 27, 2023, at Villa Leonhart in Königswinter, we received the silver prize. The teams from Lufthansa Technik and CPC proudly accepted the award.
Great Place to Work® 2026
In 2026, CPC was named a winner of the Great Place to Work® “Germany’s Best Employers 2026” competition for the 16th consecutive year. We took first place in the 50–100 employee category. These awards confirm our excellent corporate culture and our commitment to our people and the cultural needs of our clients. The GPTW ranking shows that our working conditions and employee satisfaction are outstanding. In total, more than 1,000 companies participated, and only the top 100 were recognized for their exceptional workplace culture. CPC continues to hold the title “Trust Champion Platinum,” a special honor in Germany.
kununu Top Company 2026
Kununu will once again present the Top Company Award to the highest-rated employers on its platform in 2026. We are thrilled to be among Germany's most popular employers. A recent YouGov study shows that the Top Company seal is an important decision-making criterion for 45% of job seekers. Only 5% of all companies achieve this award, based on reviews from employees, alumni, and applicants. The kununu score changes constantly, so the Top Company seal is re-awarded annually. This ensures that current company developments are recognized. This recognition motivates us to continue promoting an attractive, modern, and value-oriented corporate culture with excellent teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit.
HR Excellence Award
CPC is the winner of the HR Excellence Award in the "Corporate Social Responsibility" category. This award honors innovative projects that promote future-oriented human resources work. We impressed the jury with our project "Fit for the German labor market – certification for refugees in companies." The project arose from the understanding that integration goes beyond hiring and that cultural differences must be taken into account in everyday working life. In numerous workshops, refugees gained insights into project management, corporate values, and application strategies. After successfully completing the final exam, participants received a certificate from TÜV Rheinland Academy, which improves their chances on the labor market.
05 Partnerships
We work with partners whose professional excellence ideally complements our change management expertise. We take particular care to ensure that this combination clearly pays off for our customers. We only enter into a partnership if we have already worked together successfully on several occasions – with measurable success for our customers. Equally important: the corporate culture and values must be a good fit for us. Only then can the basis for close cooperation be established. Our partners bring outstanding expertise in their field. We involve them directly in customer projects. The advantage for you: technical and change expertise from a single source – with only one contractual partner.
Changefirst
Since its founding in 1995, Changefirst has helped over 300 companies in 45 countries successfully implement change projects. With its digital change management tool Roadmap Pro®, users can centrally plan, analyze, and control large transformation projects. Changefirst is a strong partner that relies on the proven PCI® (People Centered Implementation) method.
Lumium
Lumium specializes in virtual reality experiences that promote sustainable growth for teams and executives. They offer VR workshops for efficient organizational and personnel development, which provide a glimpse into the future of the organization and reduce fears of change. The focus is on educational effectiveness and immersive learning.
Raycon International
Raycon has been preparing executives and sales staff for the increasing demands of the market for over 25 years. Thomas Ebrahim, owner of Raycon, is a recognized sales expert who is valued by many corporations. Together with him, we offer the 5-Finger Sales Method, a unique development program for sales and customer service.
Trusted AI LLC
Trusted AI shows companies and local authorities how they can use artificial intelligence effectively to bring about positive change. In addition to consulting, its services also include training courses, workshops, and lectures, as well as support with the introduction of AI systems. In collaboration with Trusted AI, we offer our customers a unique combination of AI expertise and change management know-how.
EFQM
EFQM promotes positive change and supports more than 50,000 organizations worldwide. The EFQM framework enables organizations to achieve sustainable performance through transformation and continuous improvement. EFQM helps identify strengths and areas for improvement and align measures with environmental, social, and economic goals.
Big Picture
Big Pictury helps to make complex change processes visually tangible. Individually designed "Big Pictures" convey abstract topics clearly and comprehensively and help to communicate a company's change story in a convincing manner. Together, we develop inspiring images of change that motivate people to implement change goals.
Changefirst
Since its founding in 1995, Changefirst has helped over 300 companies in 45 countries successfully implement change projects. With its digital change management tool Roadmap Pro®, users can centrally plan, analyze, and control large transformation projects. Changefirst is a strong partner that relies on the proven PCI® (People Centered Implementation) method.
Lumium
Lumium specializes in virtual reality experiences that promote sustainable growth for teams and executives. They offer VR workshops for efficient organizational and personnel development, which provide a glimpse into the future of the organization and reduce fears of change. The focus is on educational effectiveness and immersive learning.
Raycon International
Raycon has been preparing executives and sales staff for the increasing demands of the market for over 25 years. Thomas Ebrahim, owner of Raycon, is a recognized sales expert who is valued by many corporations. Together with him, we offer the 5-Finger Sales Method, a unique development program for sales and customer service.
Trusted AI LLC
Trusted AI shows companies and local authorities how they can use artificial intelligence effectively to bring about positive change. In addition to consulting, its services also include training courses, workshops, and lectures, as well as support with the introduction of AI systems. In collaboration with Trusted AI, we offer our customers a unique combination of AI expertise and change management know-how.
EFQM
EFQM promotes positive change and supports more than 50,000 organizations worldwide. The EFQM framework enables organizations to achieve sustainable performance through transformation and continuous improvement. EFQM helps identify strengths and areas for improvement and align measures with environmental, social, and economic goals.
Big Picture
Big Pictury helps to make complex change processes visually tangible. Individually designed "Big Pictures" convey abstract topics clearly and comprehensively and help to communicate a company's change story in a convincing manner. Together, we develop inspiring images of change that motivate people to implement change goals.
06 Companies
CPC in China: A market full of challenges
China's economy is growing rapidly, presenting opportunities and demanding challenges. Successful change management is the key to sustainable success.
Our local services
As a leading German consulting firm for change management, we have also been active in China since 2011 with our office in Beijing. We support global corporations and medium-sized companies in sustainable transformations. Our approach is based on the core competencies of people, projects, and organizations—customer-oriented, individualized, and holistic.
Our services:
- Change management:Our approach ensures the sustainable implementation of your change projects.
- Organizational development:We support you in setting up, restructuring, and further developing your organization.
- Agility:We establish agile mindsets and structures.
- Executive development:We coach, facilitate, and design individual learning journeys.
- Project management: We guide complex projects and programs to success.
Contact
Falk Hirdes
, General Manager, China
Follow us on WeChat!
CPC in Austria: Transformation with substance – consulting with attitude
A market characterized by a wide variety of industries, demanding customers, and strong integration into European value chains: in this environment, business acumen, cultural sensitivity, and a sound understanding of economic and social dynamics are essential.
Our service
As part of the CPC Group, we support companies in Austria in successfully implementing transformations—from international corporations to established medium-sized businesses. Our location in Vienna is the central point of contact for clients throughout the DACH region and forms the bridge between local market proximity and international expertise.
Our consulting approach combines systematic change expertise with a deep understanding of organizational realities. We work along our proven core competencies of People, Projects, and Organizations to design sustainable solutions that work—in practice, not just on paper.
CPC Services: Project management consulting at the highest level
CPC Services GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of CPC AG and supports customers in meeting their project and program management requirements in a structured and high-quality manner.
Many companies want professional support for their projects. However, the market is dominated by large providers, agencies, and freelancers who offer low-cost services—often at the expense of quality.
CPC Services, on the other hand, stands for project management at the highest level of consulting. We employ competent experts with broad methodological knowledge and modern tools. In particularly demanding situations, we draw on the project manager pool of CPC AG. Another special feature is that we also offer all services within the framework of temporary staffing. This enables us to bring your projects to a safe and successful conclusion.
