Former Department secretary Mike Mrdak joins L.E.K. Consulting

A month after being appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of technology company NEC, Mike Mrdak has joined the Advisory Board of L.E.K. Consulting in Australia.

Mrdak becomes L.E.K. Consulting’s fourth senior strategic adviser domestically, alongside Lisa McIntyre (Chair), Linda Nicholls and Emma Stein. Mrdak will leverage his more than three decades with the Australian Public Service in Canberra to serve as an adviser on key public sector projects delivered by the global strategy and management consulting firm.

The appointment sees L.E.K. Consulting welcome one of Australia’s most influential public servants. Mrdak previously led four commonwealth departments as Secretary and Deputy Secretary. He has led the Commonwealth Department of Communications and the Arts, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and was a deputy secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Department of Transport and Regional Services. 

His career achievements include the early stage development of the Western Sydney Airport, leadership of the coordination efforts for Australia’s search for Malaysian flight MH370, national transport regulation reform, the duplication of the Pacific Highway and leading the design and implementation of a long-term budget planning framework for Commonwealth infrastructure projects. His 32-year career in public service ended in December last year as part of a major government shakeup launched by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Testimony to his service, in 2016, Mrdak was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia, and in 2013 he received recognition for his many years of public service, being awarded the CPA Award for Outstanding Leadership.

“We are thrilled to have Mike join the Advisory Board at such an important time. His extensive experience across the public sector, including infrastructure, transport and logistics and communications comes at what will be a critical period for Australia and our clients. Mike will be involved in developing L.E.K.’s government business and available on client projects as a senior adviser,” said Simon Barrett, Senior Partner and Chairman of L.E.K Consulting Australia. 

Much of L.E.K. Consulting’s government work is currently focused on navigating the covid-19 crisis, including re-designing policies and new community services, and helping central and local governments with their economic and societal response planning.

L.E.K. Consulting’s Australian government practice is led by Janice Lee, he who joined the firm late last year.