KPMG launches integrated Infrastructure, Assets & Places practice
KPMG has rolled its expertise into a combined Infrastructure, Assets & Places practice, with 450 specialists to be led by company veteran and Infrastructure & Projects head Stan Stavros.
The new practice is part of a suite of workplace and structure initiatives announced by CEO Andrew Yates in his first official day on the job at the beginning of this month, including the introduction of 26 weeks of flexible paid parental leave for KPMG employees.
With Australia’s booming infrastructure sector pinpointed by Yates as one of the firm’s key priorities for growth investment, the new Infrastructure, Assets & Places (IAP) business unit will comprise strategic, commercial and technical capabilities from across the firm, bringing together a group of 450 consultants and staff. There will also be a focus on delivering projects that are environmentally sustainable and socially impactful.
“We are witnessing a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure by governments across Australia, backed by strong private sector participation,” said Yates. “We know that our clients are seeking holistic solutions to help them plan, procure, deliver and operate their infrastructure, assets and places. The formation of the IAP group and associated investment program will allow us to meet that client need more proactively.”
In its most recent budget, the Federal Government announced infrastructure, rails and roads projects worth more than $15 billion over the next ten years, pushing the total infrastructure spend to some $110 billion in a decade.
Broadly, some of the biggest projects underway include the Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail, the Bruce Highway upgrade, the Sydney Metro, and the underground WestConnex motorway, forecast at a cost of $20 billion.
According to KPMG, the new practice has been designed to cover all stages of an asset lifecycle, from planning, procuring, and delivering through to operating or transitioning. With a focus on the defence, energy, mining, real estate and transport sectors among others, offerings will include commercial advisory and transactions; planning and infrastructure economics; engineering, assets and project delivery, and; project controls and assurance.
Headed by Infrastructure and Projects Group boss Stavros, other partners within the combined practice include KPMG mining industry leader Christiane Brendel and national cities and precincts team leader Sarah Varghese – both who were recently officially announced as partners – along with Engineering, Assets & Project Delivery boss Benjamin Mailler, and Sabine Schleicher, Energy Infrastructure lead and Commercial Advisory & Transactions partner.
