Richard Lesser is now CEO of the Boston Consulting Group

By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

The Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm also known as BCG, said Wednesday that Richard I. Lesser took over as president and chief executive, effective Jan. 1.

Richard Lesser. Photo taken from BCG website.

He was elected to those roles in May. Before becoming chief executive, Lesser was BCG’s chairman for North and South America since 2009 and head of the New York Metro office system starting in 2000, according to the company’s website.

‘‘Creating sustainable advantage and lasting impact for our clients lies at the heart of our mission,’’ Lesser said in a statement. ‘‘Our global footprint in over 40 countries and broad capabilities to drive insight and fundamental change enable us to help leaders solve the full breadth of their most challenging problems. But our mission goes beyond that. We will continue supporting our local communities and partnering with leading global nonprofits to address some of the world’s most pressing social issues -- such as health, education, food security, and sustainability.’’

Lesser succeeds Hans-Paul Buerkner, who will become chairman after serving nine years as president and CEO, BCG said.

Founded in 1963, BCG is a private company with 78 offices in 43 countries.