Brian Paulen

Brian’s extensive consulting leadership experience makes him uniquely suited for driving consistency and efficiency across our operations so that consultants can focus on what they do best—helping clients navigate dynamic markets, create value, and grow.  

As head of offices and Global Enterprise Services, Brian provides coordinated oversight for our global offices and nearshoring strategy, as well as many critical business back-office services functions. He uses his keen eye for process improvement and automation opportunities to ensure we run as efficiently as possible. Brian has also been at the center of shaping West Monroe’s global expansion, including our nearshoring strategy—tripling our presence in Costa Rica to include not only product engineering but also functional, business analyst, and enterprise services roles.  

Brian is a passionate advocate for our mission to build the next generation of leaders, partnering inside and outside the firm to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the consulting industry. His commitment to both client service and firm culture shows—the Seattle office, which he led for eight years, has grown six-fold and won numerous workplace awards.   

Throughout his career, Brian has helped clients maximize their technology investments, particularly in the areas of customer experience and analytics solutions. His exposure to diverse clients and industries has instilled a broad perspective into the issues our clients face.   

Brian joined West Monroe with its acquisition of Madrona Solutions Group, a Seattle-based consultancy he co-founded in 2005 to help clients build CRM solutions. Brian is a recognized business and technology expert and has co-authored two books on these topics. In 2009, the Puget Sound Business Journal recognized Brian as one of its “40 under 40.” He earned two bachelor’s degrees in political science and international business from Lehigh University. 

What makes Brian different

A people-centric leader, Brian takes his role as a steward of organizational culture seriously. He is a dedicated mentor who ensures colleagues have opportunities across West Monroe and in the community. Brian is passionate about inclusion and diversity and has played a key role in the firm’s I&D initiatives. Brian, his wife, their two children, and their dog all reside in Kirkland, just outside of Seattle. The family takes advantage of everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer, whether they’re golfing in the summer or skiing in the winter. Brian is also a proud part owner of a Washington state winery. 

Where Brian makes an impact

Brian serves on the boards of Boyer Children’s Clinic in Seattle and ArtsFund, an organization that strengthens the community by supporting the arts. He is also on the board of First Tee of Greater Seattle, an organization that positively impacts the lives of young people by teaching life lessons and leadership skills through golf.