Rob Goodenough

Rob is the Practice Director of our People & Organization practice, where he helps run the practice as well as working within the practice's Leadership solution.

He brings 25+ years of experience working on leadership and culture, drawing on a background that spans military, technical, and consulting roles. Rob began his career as a Royal Navy engineer officer in the United Kingdom, mastering technical skills as well as building high performing, resilient teams across both seagoing ships and submarines and in various shore appointments. He has spent the last 15+ years at Bain leading complex transformations with major clients across Sub‑Saharan Africa, each featuring specific technical skill areas, requiring sophisticated program management skills and people development strategies. Building on his Naval foundation in people development, he has spent the past five years helping clients across Africa and the Middle East strengthen leadership behaviors and foster high‑performance cultures.

Rob is qualified as a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and trained as an Executive Coach at GIBS Business School. He holds an MSc in Marine Engineering from University College London, a postgraduate diploma in nuclear reactor engineering from the University of Surrey, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southampton. 

Having lived in four continents, Rob is now settled in South Africa, where he helps run his local Scout Troop and supports multiple local NGOs. He enjoys running, sailing and exploring the Southern African wilderness with his family.