The Hackett Group, a leading generative AI (Gen AI) consultancy and executive advisory firm, has announced the acquisition of LeewayHertz, a renowned provider of advanced Gen AI solutions. This acquisition represents a key step in The Hackett Group’s strategy to establish itself as a leader in guiding clients through their Gen AI transformation journeys. By combining Hackett’s enterprise digital transformation expertise with LeewayHertz’s advanced Gen AI solutions and implementation capabilities—along with their market-leading AI XPLR and ZBrain.ai software platforms—the partnership aims to create a comprehensive, end-to-end capability. This synergy will accelerate and enhance clients’ AI initiatives, from ideation to full-scale implementation.Strategic Integration of AI XPLR and ZBrain
The integration of The Hackett Group’s AI XPLR platform with LeewayHertz’s ZBrain platform is set to revolutionize how enterprises assess and implement AI across their operations. AI XPLR version 2, Hackett’s cutting-edge generative AI-powered platform, facilitates the ideation and design of AI solutions using advanced simulation technology. By merging with ZBrain’s Gen AI orchestration platform, the combined solution will offer an end-to-end capability that not only simulates potential use cases but also assesses feasibility, return on investment (ROI), and accelerates deployment.
We’re excited to welcome Akash Takyar and the LeewayHertz team to The Hackett Group family,” said Ted A. Fernandez, Chairman & CEO of The Hackett Group. “This acquisition significantly enhances our consulting and software platform offerings. It expands our AI implementation capabilities and further elevates our AI XPLR ideation and design platform. The integration of AI XPLR with ZBrain will empower clients to leverage their data in transformative ways, driving new levels of innovation, customer experience, and operational efficiency with Gen AI-powered solutions.”
Formation of ZBrain XPLR Joint Venture
Alongside the acquisition, The Hackett Group and Akash Takyar are establishing a joint venture, with The Hackett Group contributing both AI XPLR and ZBrain platforms. This joint venture aims to deliver advanced, customized Gen AI solutions by combining AI XPLR’s ideation and simulation capabilities with ZBrain’s development expertise. The new entity will follow a software platform growth strategy, potentially seeking strategic funding after initial backing from The Hackett Group. Akash Takyar will lead the joint venture as CEO of ZBrain, while also heading The Hackett Group’s Gen AI Implementation division.
“We believe this acquisition unlocks the full potential of The Hackett Group’s market-leading digital transformation expertise during this unprecedented era of technological innovation,” said Fernandez. “The joint venture creates an entirely new value creation opportunity for our shareholders. I commend our team for their focus, agility, and innovation in pivoting to Gen AI consulting and implementation solutions in under 12 months.”
Akash Takyar echoed this optimism: “The synergy between AI XPLR and ZBrain will offer clients a complete AI solution that covers the entire lifecycle, from strategy to execution. This partnership has the power to reshape how AI solutions are conceived and deployed on a large scale.
