Daniel Kuepper, based in BCG’s Cologne office and a Managing Director and Senior Partner, was named a Fellow in 2024.

Daniel’s research explores the impact of hyper-productive future factories on the competitiveness of regions and specific manufacturing hubs. He studies the impact of technology — particularly AI and automation — on the cost structure of factories. His goal is to understand how manufacturers should and likely will react to more productive future factories: How will they adjust their manufacturing footprints in terms of optimum factory size as well as optimum manufacturing locations? What are the implications for entire regions?

Daniel co-leads BCG’s global manufacturing and supply chain team. He founded BCG’s Innovation Center for Operations, which supports clients with their ambition to move toward the factory of the future.

Since starting at BCG in 2004, Daniel has specialized in operations, particularly lean and digital manufacturing (including the design and implementation of factories of the future), rapid plant optimizations, and the optimization of entire manufacturing networks.

He has extensive experience in maximizing plant efficiency and continuous improvement, implementing lean production systems, driving cost reductions, enhancing direct and indirect manufacturing processes, utilizing assets through technology assessments, industry 4.0, and advanced robotics.

Outside of work, Daniel enjoys almost any type of sport activities and is interested in contemporary art.