From Passion to Purpose: Rémi Cornubert’s Impact on the Automotive Landscape
Innovation is the lifeblood of the automotive industry, and exceptional leaders are its staunch advocates. They foster a culture of creativity and risk-taking within their organizations, encouraging teams to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Whether it’s pioneering new propulsion technologies, enhancing safety features, or revolutionizing the driving experience, innovative leaders drive progress and propel their companies ahead of the curve. Beyond business acumen and technical expertise, exceptional leaders in the automotive niche demonstrate empathy and compassion for their employees. These leaders foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and empathy to create a supportive work environment where employees and clients feel valued. Rémi Cornubert is leading with the same leadership style, where he is committed to delivering value to his clients at Strat Anticipation. Based on his trust, Rémi has built a brand name leading to happy clients like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and so on. Rémi’s Journey in the Automotive Industry Rémi’s journey began with a childhood passion for sporty cars and racing, which only grew stronger as he pursued his studies and obtained a PhD in physics. His career in the automotive industry took off as he delved into developing simulation software for modelling combustion within internal engines, a role he dedicated eight years. After a stint in research, Rémi furthered his education with an MBA from INSEAD and transitioned into consulting, initially with Mercer Management Consulting, later rebranded as Oliver Wyman. During this time, while working on projects for Renault, BMW & also Renault/Volvo Trucks, he reaffirmed his commitment to the automotive sector, recognizing its challenges, intensity, and innovation as perfect complements to his lifelong passion for cars. Over the course of a few decades in consulting, Rémi’s focus remained on the mobility industry, which he viewed in a broad sense encompassing not just automotive, but also trucks, railways, aerospace, and maritime. His extensive experience spanning strategy and operations provided him with invaluable insights and a deep understanding of the industry dynamics. Despite nearly thirty years in consulting, Rémi’s enthusiasm for the automotive field has not waned. He continues to find it endlessly fascinating, with each passing year bringing new challenges and opportunities for bringing valuable insights to his clients while still learning. Particularly noteworthy has been the industry’s response to environmental pressures, which has driven innovation and the emergence of new business models. In essence, Rémi’s journey is a testament to the enduring allure of the automotive industry, where passion meets purpose and the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds. The Journey of Strat Anticipation Rémi founded Strat Anticipation three years ago with several clear objectives in mind. Firstly, he sought greater independence and a chance to spend more time directly engaging with clients, projects, and his teams. Having experienced the administrative burdens of larger consulting firms, he desired a shift towards a more client-centric focus, free from the distractions of internal coordination, politics and reporting obligations. Secondly, Rémi aimed to establish a strategy boutique specializing in automotive, sustainable mobility, and energy transition. Recognizing the critical role of materials in both innovation and the energy transition, he expanded the firm’s scope to include materials-focused projects, drawing on his experience working with chemical and material companies since 2010. By narrowing the firm’s focus to these key areas, he positioned Strat Anticipation as a niche player with deep expertise and insights tailored to the specific needs of clients in these sectors. Finally, Rémi wanted to offer personalized consulting services to clients of all sizes, a feat often challenging within the rigid structures of larger consulting firms. By breaking free from the constraints of a corporate business model focused primarily on securing large-scale projects, he has been able to provide bespoke solutions to a diverse range of clients, from multinational corporations to startups and SMEs, as well as professional associations in Europe. The success of Strat Anticipation is evident in its diverse portfolio of projects within the automotive industry. From batteries and power electronics to e-motors, connectivity, ADAS systems, biomaterials, and material recycling, the firm covers the entire value chain, tackling complex and cutting-edge topics that are driving the future of mobility and energy. Rémi’s ability to deliver tailored strategies and insights to clients across these domains underscores the value of his approach and the effectiveness of his boutique consultancy model. Leveraging Technology Expertise for Business Growth Rémi’s extensive background in Research and Development (R&D) has proven to be a significant asset in his transition to strategy consulting. While his passion for technology remains strong, he has leveraged his R&D experience to provide invaluable insights to clients seeking to enhance their strategic initiatives, accelerate growth, and enter new markets, all of which invariably involve technology considerations. Having spent three decades in consulting, Rémi finds himself drawing on his R&D expertise on a daily basis. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of a specific technology, analyzing its potential, or guiding clients on whether to pursue or abandon a particular technological avenue, his ability to navigate the intersection of technology and strategy is unparalleled. His nuanced understanding allows him to assist clients in crafting technology roadmaps, evaluating innovation portfolios, and identifying areas for expansion or consolidation within their technological endeavors. From screening innovation portfolios to recommending projects for acceleration or abandonment, Rémi’s consultancy, Strat Anticipation, consistently delivers actionable insights rooted in his deep technological acumen. Clients benefit from his keen insights and credible recommendations, which stem from years of hands-on experience in the R&D realm. His unique ability to bridge the gap between technology and strategy positions him as a trusted advisor in an increasingly complex and technology-driven business landscape. Insights into Manufacturing Excellence Rémi’s professional journey also encompasses significant experience in manufacturing, albeit not as central to his expertise in technology and strategy. During his tenure at Kearney and Oliver Wyyman, he was involved in numerous projects aimed at optimizing operations within manufacturing environments. While such projects are less common in his current consultancy landscape, there is one notable exception: the manufacturing of E-Powertrains. In recent years, Rémi has