Martin Sims

Martin Sims, a seasoned leader and strategic innovator, is the Practice Director for the Arts & Cultural Institutions at P&C Global. With his extensive experience and deep expertise in various industries, Martin has become an invaluable asset to the firm and its clients worldwide. He is also a key member of the Corporate Performance, Strategy & Innovation, and Digital Transformation practice groups.

With 15 years of diverse experience, Martin has honed his expertise in the arts and culture, public service, commercial real estate, and professional services industries. Residing in Los Angeles, Martin travels worldwide, partnering with some of the most revered arts and cultural institutions globally.

Martin strategically collaborates with C-suite executives to significantly improve strategic and innovation planning, digital strategy, revenue optimization, development and fundraising, financial management, succession planning, and executive search. His unique blend of arts and culture sector knowledge and digital transformation expertise sets him apart in the industry.

Before joining P&C Global, Martin held several prestigious positions. As the Director of Strategic Planning at the British Museum, he led a strategic initiative that resulted in a 15% increase in annual revenues. Prior to this, he served as Managing Director of Digital Transformation at CBRE Group, a leading commercial real estate firm, where he implemented a digital transformation strategy that increased operational efficiency by 40%, saving the firm $20 million annually. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior Director at Roland Berger, a prominent European arts and culture consulting firm, where he spearheaded a revenue optimization project that boosted the firm’s revenue by 25% per year.

Martin’s academic journey is as impressive as his professional one. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on Nonprofit Management from Harvard University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Transformation from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Further enhancing his credentials, Martin holds several prestigious certifications. He is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), and a Certified Digital Transformation Professional (CDTP), each demonstrating his deep understanding of his areas of expertise.

Martin’s approach to challenges and opportunities is characterized by his favorite quote, “Innovation is seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.” He applies this philosophy to his work, always looking for fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

Outside of work, Martin is a passionate alpine skier, a hobby that reflects his professional life – navigating complex terrains, maintaining a steady pace, and always aiming for the peak. His love for skiing not only keeps him physically fit but also sharpens his strategic thinking and resilience, traits that are crucial in his professional role. In addition, Martin is a wine sommelier, a pursuit that requires a keen sense of taste and a deep appreciation for the subtle complexities, much like his approach to consulting – discerning, nuanced, and sophisticated. His ability to identify the subtle notes in a glass of wine mirrors his ability to identify unique opportunities and solutions in his work.

In his advisory career at P&C Global, Martin leads partners with client executives and his colleagues to develop and deliver transformation solutions for clients.  Recent examples of his engagements include:

• Digital Transformation in a Renowned Museum: P&C Global spearheaded a digital transformation initiative in a prestigious museum, resulting in a remarkable 173% increase in annual visitor count to over 7.7 million in 2022. The implementation of innovative digital marketing strategies and optimization of the museum’s online ticketing system led to significant revenue growth, amounting to an additional €50 million.
• Revenue Optimization in a Prominent Art Gallery: P&C Global collaborated with a prominent art gallery to optimize their revenue streams. Through comprehensive revenue optimization strategies, the gallery witnessed a remarkable 215% increase in annual visitors to over 5 million in 2022. The successful implementation of a new donation system further contributed to an impressive €30 million increase in donations.
• Strategic Planning and Digital Strategy for a Historical Library: P&C Global partnered with a historical library to develop strategic plans and enhance their digital presence. The outcome was a substantial 209% increase in annual visitors to over 4 million in 2022. The implementation of effective digital strategies and revenue optimization techniques resulted in an additional £40 million in revenue.
• Succession Planning and Financial Management for a Cultural Center: P&C Global provided expert guidance in succession planning and financial management for a renowned cultural center. This engagement resulted in a significant 130% increase in annual visitors to over 620,000 in 2022. The strategic implementation of succession plans and financial management strategies contributed to an additional AED 20 million in revenue.

In a twist of fate that could only be described as “consulting kismet”, Martin’s husband is also a management consultant at a global firm. Their dinner table conversations often turn into lively debates about clients, colleagues, and corporate cultures. Martin often jokes, “Our home is like a consulting firm after hours – we’re always comparing notes, sharing war stories, and occasionally arguing about whose client had the most ‘interesting’ request of the day.” These exchanges have given Martin a unique perspective on the industry and a deep appreciation for P&C Global’s distinctive culture. He often quips, “After hearing about my husband’s day, I realize I’ve hit the jackpot with P&C Global. It’s like finding a rare vintage in a sea of house wines!”

To learn more about Martin’s work or to connect with him, reach out to him via email using the link above.