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Sunday, November 1, 2026Local news for Wake County, North Carolina.
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Memoir: McKinsey Partner's Everest Summit at Age 60

Tom French, a senior partner emeritus at McKinsey & Company, recounts his climb of Mount Everest in a new memoir.

By Alexander Parker ·

Illustration for: Memoir: McKinsey Partner's Everest Summit at Age 60
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Tom French climbed Mount Everest at age 60, following his mandatory retirement from McKinsey & Company after four decades at the firm. The climb and the years leading up to it are the subject of a new book.

The book, "The Gap Years: Climbing, Skiing, and the Journey Back," details French's preparation for the ascent and the decision to attempt the climb as he entered what the source describes as the second half of his life. The narrative also covers his history as a lifelong mountaineer and cross-country skier.

French is a senior partner emeritus of McKinsey & Company. He also serves as board chair of the Trustees of Reservations and as a director of Corning Incorporated.

The book is the November selection for Bookmarked: the "Under the Radar" book club. The source describes the work as a mix of adventure tale, memoir, and outdoor travelogue.

French attempted the climb after leaving his corporate role. The book covers how and why he took on the physical challenge of ascending the world's tallest mountain.

Source: WGBH-TV

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