Shelley Stewart III

Shelley is a senior partner with McKinsey’s Growth, Marketing & Sales Practice, serving clients across a range of sectors including private capital; advanced industries; and telecommunications, media, and technology. In addition to his client service, Shelley is Global Leader of Reputation & Engagement (R&E) and Chair of the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility, a think-and-do tank focused on catalyzing cross-sector action to build a more inclusive, dynamic economy.

As leader of R&E, Shelley oversees global marketing, communications, publishing, and reputation at McKinsey, focusing on increasing awareness of the firm’s impact and capabilities and engaging with clients and stakeholders across diverse industries in over 65 countries.

A thought leader, Forbes contributor, and frequent public speaker at global events—including the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and the Black Economic Forum—he uses his voice on topics vital to businesses, economies, and people, striving for a future marked by sustainable, inclusive growth.

In 2024, Shelley was named one of Bloomberg Businessweek’s Ones to Watch in investing. In 2023, he was selected as Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, named a Notable Black Leader by Crain’s New York Business in 2022, and recognized as one of the Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America by SAVOY Magazine.

Shelley is a member of the Economic Club of New York and is on the board of directors of the Brooklyn Community Foundation. Previously, he served on the board of directors of the National Black MBA Association.

Before joining McKinsey, Shelley worked in the financial-services industry. He held a variety of roles at an investment banking firm, and subsequently cofounded a private investment firm. Shelley has a BA in economics from Boston College, an MBA from Columbia University, an MPA from Harvard University, and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of New Haven.