After 23 years, Synergy Group’s co-founder Pat Quade says farewell
Twenty-three years after co-founding Synergy Group, Pat Quade has decided to move on from the professional services firm to pursue other interests.
Since founding the firm in 1999, Synergy Group has grown from a two-person start-up to a company with more than 600 people, and firmly established itself as one of Australia’s leading homegrown consultancies.
Reflecting on the firm’s growth from its humble beginnings, Quade said that the journey would “not have been possible without significant contributions from so many brilliant and passionate people”, adding that he is confident that he is leaving the firm behind in “very good hands.”
“I have complete confidence that the firm is well positioned for its future success,” he said. “Synergy Group is an amazing organisation with an enviable culture, market position and great depth of talent. We have built an experienced leadership team in our CEO and Partners, guided by a Board with a strong vision for what Synergy Group can become.”
From its base in Canberra, Synergy Group works for the Commonwealth, including the federal government, agencies and departments, local municipalities and not-for profits.
The firm advises its clients on topics such as strategic planning, program delivery, change management, creative change, digital transformation, and financial management.
“It takes confidence, courage, and conviction to challenge the way management consulting is delivered to government. Synergy Group has never been afraid of that challenge and the impact that comes from demonstrating the real value of our team and our practical approaches,” Quade said.
Synergy Group also has business units that provide audit and assurance, resourcing and staffing, and legal services.
Commenting on Quade’s decision to move on, Executive Chair Robert Kennedy said: “Pat has made an exceptional contribution to Synergy Group and will always be held in the highest regard as a founder of the firm.”
CEO Toni Marzulli added that despite his departure, Quade’s legacy – including “his ’can do’ attitude, entrepreneurial mindset and pursuit of opportunity” – will remain deeply engrained within the firm’s culture. “It has been an honour to have worked alongside Pat. We will miss his unwavering commitment to the company.”
What Quade’s next challenge looks like has not yet been determined. “It definitely includes spending more time with my family,” he concluded.
