Hakluyt's Human-Centric Strategy Delivers Record Growth Amid Global Uncertainty

LONDON – March 30, 2026 – As the business world rushes to integrate artificial intelligence into every facet of its operations, London-based Hakluyt is proving that the most valuable commodity in times of uncertainty might just be human intelligence. The global strategic advisory firm announced another year of formidable growth, a result it attributes not to algorithms, but to its deep investment in people, networks, and experience.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Hakluyt reported a 13.7% increase in group revenue and a striking 19.5% surge in operating profit. These figures, filed with the UK's Companies House, underscore a powerful counter-narrative in the professional services industry. While competitors pivot to tech-first solutions, Hakluyt is doubling down on its 30-year-old formula of providing discreet, bespoke advice grounded in human connection.

"In the era of AI, Hakluyt continues to differentiate itself as a business built on the unrivalled power of people: networks, expertise and trusted insight," said Managing Partner Thomas Ellis in a statement. He noted that as global leaders grapple with "ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological change and increasing complexity," the demand for high-level, trusted counsel has only intensified.

Outpacing the Market

Hakluyt's financial performance is not just strong in isolation; it significantly outpaces the broader consulting market. Industry-wide forecasts for 2025 projected growth rates in the mid-to-high single digits, with the strategic advisory segment itself expected to grow by around 6.8%. Hakluyt’s double-digit expansion in both revenue and profit suggests it is not merely riding a market wave but actively capturing greater share by catering to a specific, high-stakes niche.

The firm is famously selective, reportedly turning away business that does not constitute a "Hakluyt-shaped problem." This disciplined approach ensures it focuses on complex challenges where its unique model can provide unparalleled value. Its expertise is particularly sought after in sensitive areas like government relations and complex M&A, where political nuance and understanding human motivations are critical—skills that remain beyond the grasp of current AI.

This success validates a business model built on the premise that for the most critical decisions, C-suite executives and investors crave the judgment and discretion that only seasoned human advisors can offer. This philosophy is reflected in the firm's structure, which relies on a core team of experts who leverage a vast, high-level global network to generate qualitative insights.

A Network of Titans

Further cementing its position at the apex of global advisory, Hakluyt has significantly strengthened its international advisory board. Chaired by former UK Foreign Secretary Lord William Hague, the board has welcomed two monumental figures from the worlds of technology and entertainment: Kenichiro Yoshida and Ronald Sugar.

Kenichiro Yoshida, the Executive Chairman of Sony, is widely credited with orchestrating a remarkable turnaround at the Japanese conglomerate. As its former CFO and later CEO, he balanced stringent financial discipline with a long-term strategic vision, transforming the company into a powerhouse of creativity and intellectual property. His deep experience in navigating global technology and entertainment markets provides Hakluyt with invaluable perspective on industries undergoing profound disruption.

Ronald Sugar brings a similarly impressive pedigree. As the current Chairman of Uber and a board director at Apple, he sits at the heart of the digital economy's most transformative companies. This follows a distinguished career as the Chairman and CEO of aerospace and defense giant Northrop Grumman. Sugar's expertise spans corporate governance, complex technological systems, and strategic leadership in both legacy and disruptive sectors, offering a rare and powerful combination of insights.

The addition of Yoshida and Sugar is a strategic masterstroke, embedding top-tier knowledge from the world's leading technology, mobility, and content companies directly into Hakluyt's advisory ecosystem. It reinforces the firm's ability to provide clients with advice that is not just well-researched, but informed by the direct experience of those shaping the future of global business.

Investing in People and Presence

Hakluyt's growth strategy extends beyond its advisory board. The firm has continued to expand its teams in key global hubs, including London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo. The North American market, in particular, has been a major engine of growth, prompting the opening of a new regional headquarters in New York City to meet surging demand.

Internally, the firm has made two crucial executive hires: a new Chief People Officer (CPO) and a Chief Information Officer (CIO). In a company that declares its people are its primary asset, the CPO role is of paramount strategic importance, responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining the elite talent that forms the bedrock of Hakluyt's offering.

The hiring of a CIO, meanwhile, does not contradict the firm's human-centric ethos but rather complements it. The move signals a sophisticated understanding that technology's role is to augment, not replace, human expertise. The CIO will likely focus on bolstering security, enhancing internal data management, and providing advisors with better tools, thereby strengthening the human-led model.

As Hakluyt looks ahead to the fiscal year ending in June 2026, it anticipates continued growth in both revenue and profits. In a world of increasing complexity and volatility, the firm's success demonstrates a clear and enduring demand for thoughtful, discreet, and deeply human strategic advice. Its performance serves as a powerful reminder that while technology can provide data, true wisdom remains a uniquely human endeavor.