Does MBB work directly with the CXO?

Why is it odd to imagine?

It’s definitely not uncommon but I’d say it’s no more than half of the projects at most. Interaction is also pretty limited. If you’re an analyst, you might present a bit but you probably won’t be leading the conversation. 

in my tenure about 50- 60% of the projects. But really depends on what project you take on. 

rather uncommon for MBB work to not have at least one c-suite level sponsor. they're usually involved on the project at the highest level, maybe getting updates at a biweekly steerco, with their junior reports (VP / Director level) being closer to the day to day. as an analyst, you may or may not have the opportunity to present at these steercos. however, you will have plenty of interaction with more junior levels of the organization, and it's still great learning experience to work directly with director and senior manager level people

when there isn't a sponsor at the c-suite level, it might be because MBB is only being brought in for a smaller one off project. but any significant long term relationship with MBB usually requires c-suite buy-in, up to and including the CEO themself.

First case at Bain--worked with CIO, but day-to-day with the level just below him.

Second case:--worked with the CEO, team (e.g. Partners) reported to him directly

Third case: internal, reporting to EVP

Fourth case: Reported weekly to the CEO

Fifth case: Reported weekly to the EVP, one step below CEO (EVP could be considered C-Suite, was at all annual meetings and presented as such)

So yeah, I'd say we work with them frequently.

Pretty sure it’s the C-suite execs or high level VPs.

I typically don’t find out about my company’s MBB engagements until go live. Sometimes one of their useless pp decks makes its way to my inbox. Always surprises me that we pay 7-figs+ for information a 22 year old finds via google.

Not at MBB but at my firm, we mostly interact with the c-suite and board members of companies. It would be an odd engagement if we didn't have our primary contact with someone of that level.