The Firm
Built on Decades of Enterprise Experience
We are a boutique strategy firm that operates at the highest levels of enterprise leadership — trusted by boards, relied upon by CEOs, and measured by results.
Our Story
Founded on a Simple Premise
Burns Enterprises was founded in 2001 with a conviction that the largest, most complex organizations deserve a different kind of strategic partner — one that combines the analytical depth of a top-tier consultancy with the senior attention and accountability of a trusted board advisor.
Over 25 years, we have built a practice defined by the quality of our thinking, the seniority of our engagement teams, and the measurability of our outcomes. We do not scale through volume. We grow through reputation.
Today, Burns Enterprises serves a select roster of enterprise clients across financial services, industrials, healthcare, technology, and consumer sectors — each relationship built on the expectation of candor, rigor, and results.
2001
Year Founded
25+
Years of Practice
180+
Enterprise Clients Served
$4.2B
Client Revenue Influenced
94%
Long-Term Client Retention
What We Stand For
The Principles That Define Our Practice
Intellectual Rigor
We bring the same analytical discipline to every engagement — no assumptions, no shortcuts, no recycled frameworks.
Outcome Accountability
We measure our success by yours. Every engagement is structured around measurable outcomes, not deliverable counts.
Senior Attention
Partners lead every engagement. Our clients work directly with the people who have the deepest expertise and judgment.
Confidential Partnership
The most important strategic conversations require absolute discretion. We operate with the trust of a board advisor.
Leadership
The Partners Behind Every Engagement
James R. Burns
Founder & Managing Partner
James founded Burns Enterprises after two decades as a senior partner at a global strategy firm. He has led transformational engagements across financial services, industrials, and technology — advising boards and CEOs at some of the world's most complex organizations.
Catherine Welles
Partner, Organizational Strategy
Catherine brings 18 years of experience in organizational design and operating model transformation. Prior to joining Burns Enterprises, she held senior roles at a Big Four consultancy and served as Chief of Staff at a Fortune 100 manufacturer.
Marcus T. Okafor
Partner, M&A & Growth
Marcus leads the firm's M&A advisory and market expansion practice. He has advised on over $12B in transactions and brings deep expertise in integration planning, synergy realization, and post-merger performance management.
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