A ranking you cannot apply for
Leverkusen, Germany, 12 March 2026 — consultingheads is again listed among Germany's best consultant networks in the "Berater 2026" edition of brand eins /thema. This year's lists include 275 companies and seven consultant networks. consultingheads was already among the eight networks listed in the previous edition.
Consultant networks are ranked separately from consulting firms — what is assessed is not how well someone consults, but how reliably they find the right consultants. For a matching business, that is the only category that says anything.
The ranking is compiled by brand eins together with Statista and appears this year for the 13th consecutive time. It is not based on applications but on recommendations: consultants and executives at companies that work with consultancies are asked whom they would recommend.
"Rankings you can apply for say very little," says Olaf Melsbach, Managing Director of consultingheads. "With this one there is nothing to do but deliver — you are recommended by people for whom results mattered, or you are not. And what counts in the end is not being on the list, but whether the people we propose get the project done. Ninety-five percent of our proposals lead to a placement. Standing in a list of seven networks says more about the market than about us: there are many intermediaries, but few that clients recommend."
The consultingheads profile in the "Berater 2026" edition is available at brandeins.de.
About consultingheads
consultingheads is the expert network when results matter. consultingheads GmbH places hand-picked freelance consultants and interim managers with companies across the German-speaking market — typically within 24 to 36 hours, at a 95 percent placement rate and with more than 3,000 projects successfully completed. Founded in 2016, the company maintains a network of more than 20,000 vetted experts and covers mandates ranging from strategy consulting through IT, SAP and supply chain to leadership roles on the shop floor. Pre-selection is AI-supported; the recommendation that reaches the client is made by a person. Olaf Melsbach is Managing Director.
Press contact: Olaf Melsbach, Managing Director · consultingheads GmbH · olaf.melsbach@consultingheads.com · consultingheads.com