Corporate History

The 1960s:
Established in 1968 by Gert Hansen
Rambøll Management is established under the name Gert Hansen Rådgivende konsulentfirma A/S in 1968 by Gert Hansen. Gert Hansen has been a furniture salesman whose primary client was the municipalities. He has a bachelor degree from Aarhus school of business and insight in the municipal sector through his deliveries of furniture to them. During the municipal reform, Gert Hansen quickly noticed the need of organisational change and restructuring of work in the municipal sector. This knowledge makes him establish one of the first consulting firms in Denmark. His aim is to assist the municipalities in the implementation process of the reform.

At that time there is no consulting industry in Denmark, so Gert Hansen has difficulties finding competent employees. He contacts two professors from Aarhus School of Business and the University of Aarhus. The two professors become members of the executive board and open up the possibility to recruit qualified students directly from the academic institutions. The tradition of being in close contact with the academic institutions is established by Gert Hansen, and is still a significant factor to our success and growth nowadays.

The 1970s:
Building up public sector consulting in Denmark
The company is firmly established in the 1970s. In this period we are a significant player in building up a market for public sector consulting in Denmark. During the time when the municipalities are integrated, the company carries out organisational development and financial planning assignments in the form of management consulting services for Danish municipalities. In the mid 1970s, we develop software for the municipalities’ administrative functions as well as the counties handling of public transport. Unfortunately, at the end of the 1970s the company has economic difficulties.

In this decade acquisitions are made by our international competitors McKinsey, Boston, PA Consulting etc., which dominate the private consulting industry during the 1980s. In 1989, Jens Jørn Bøvling, former Manager of the transport department becomes the new Managing Director of PLS Consult. To stand the hard pressure from our competitors, Jen Jørn Bøvling and the executive board decide to focus on consulting and sell off the transport and systems department.

The 1990s:
The internationalisation process starts
In 1991, Leif Støy takes over as Managing Director. During the 1990s the company attains a position as one of Denmark’s leading consultancies.

In 1992 PLS Consult wins an EU project in Hungary. This project is the first international project and our first step as an international consulting company. In the end of 1990s our international sales grow noticeably. Almost 1/3 of our projects are financed by the EU and are related to capacity building and governmental building in Eastern Europe. To keep up with the internationalisation of the company and to be close to the EU we decide to establish an office in Brussels.

In this decade our activities in Denmark also grow markedly, especially in the state sector. From 1996 – 2000 we double the number of employees. At this time our organization consists of 4 business areas: International consulting, Research, Organization & Management and Business Development & Informatics.

In 1998 we reach the goal of becoming the market leader in the Danish public sector. A new strategy is launched the same year and our new vision is to become a leading consultant company within the European public sector with takeoff in Scandinavia. However, this strategy is modified as we receive a letter from Jens Loff in 1999, who works as a consultant for the consulting department in KGST, the largest association of local government in Germany. Jens Loff would like to start up a business in cooperation with PLS Consult. After discussions it was decided to set up a minor consulting in Germany. This becomes the next step in our internationalisation process

In the end of the 1990s PLS Consult changes its name into PLS Ramboll Management, which later on is called Ramboll Management.

In 2007 Leif Støy retires, giving over Ramboll Management in the hands of the new management, Managing Director Tonny Johansen and Director Susanne T. Nielsen, as well as more than 450 highly skilled employees.

In 2007 we add 37 highly skilled employees to the Ramboll Management group by acquiring Attractor, a major Danish consulting company within organisational development and leadership training, strengthening the management profile.