Career & Industry change -- 2-year program required?

I was speaking to a friend of mine about my MBA application process and he indicated that he was also considering making the same move and was wondering what type of program would be best suited to him since he'd be looking to switch careers from advertising (account manager) to management consulting. Since my personal evaluation prior to applications didn't involve such drastic changes, I didn't factor that into my school selection and was wondering if you guys could help me provide him with some sage advice.

He's currently got two years work experience with a marketing firm where he's the account manager for several clients (as far as I understand his work anyhow) and would like to change career paths/industries. He's a very smart guy with a strong GMAT (780) and a strong GPA (don't know exact numbers) so the number side of things shouldn't be a problem, but he's worried his limited work experience (just under 3 years by matriculation) and his desire to drastically change his career may hold him back. To be honest he's not even sure how one goes about making such a significant change.

Basically he's wondering if a 2-year program is a necessity. Would he be able to facilitate that career change in an intensive 1-year program like INSEAD's or would he need to take the more traditional 2-year route. He's most interested in remaining here in Canada where two of our top programs are intensive 1-year programs while two others are of more traditional length. But, he's also not ruling out the possibility of study in Europe or the US.

Anyway, I plan on directing him here the next time we speak but figure I'd open the floor to you folks first for some advice. Thanks in advance.