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Axel Esqué

PartnerParis

Develops profitable growth strategies, leads decarbonization efforts, improves global operations, and conducts commercial due diligence for advanced industries and travel, logistics, and infrastructure companies

Axel helps OEMs, operators, and suppliers along the transport value chain create growth strategies, implement large-scale transformations, and make investment decisions. He also coleads McKinsey’s work on sustainability in aviation.

Examples of his recent client work include the following:

  • helping an operator implement a merger and create a post-merger financial strategy
  • restructuring a large industrial program for a global OEM
  • working with an airline to improve performance across commercial areas with advanced analytics
  • supporting private-equity funds and related portfolio companies in commercial due diligence and strategic planning
  • partnering with an industry group to create a roadmap to net-zero emissions

Axel has published on the green transition in transportation, strategic priorities for advanced manufacturing CEOs, and commercial strategies for airlines. Outside of McKinsey, Axel is a regular guest lecturer at ESCP.

Published work

How the aviation industry could help scale sustainable fuel production,” McKinsey & Company, July 2024

Decarbonizing aviation: Executing on net-zero goals,” McKinsey & Company, June 2023

Short-haul flying redefined: The promise of regional air mobility,” McKinsey & Company, May 2023

The link between climate and national security,” McKinsey & Company, November 2022

Decarbonizing the aviation sector: Making net zero aviation possible,” McKinsey & Company, July 2022

Fuel efficiency: Why airlines need to switch to more ambitious measures,” McKinsey & Company, March 2022

A milestone year for future air mobility,” McKinsey & Company, February 2022

Leading from the front line: How airlines can boost ancillary revenues,” McKinsey & Company, February 2019

Refining the flight path: Seven priorities for commercial aerospace leaders through 2020,” McKinsey & Company, July 2018

Past experience

Citigroup
Investment banking analyst

EY
Financial audit associate

Education

ESCP
MS, management