SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - December 1, 2021 - Global strategy consulting firm L.E.K. today launched a new practice area in Australia called Major Capital Projects Advisory (MCPA) in response to the growing need for stronger risk and cost management of significant infrastructure projects.
MCPA is led by L.E.K. Partner Joseph C. Sponholz who said there was a gap in the market for end-to-end project advice at a time when private and public sector investment in infrastructure was at historically high levels.
“We have the perfect storm of near-record investment in high-stakes infrastructure projects, questions increasingly being asked about how infrastructure funding is being spent, and growing disquiet among clients about effective management of risk and cost issues on major projects,” Mr. Sponholz said.
“We are establishing MCPA in direct to response this. There is a need for end-to-end project management by those with a thorough understanding and deep experience of risk allocation and that is what MCPA will offer.”
Mr. Sponholz and his team will bring to bear decades of combined experience working for governments and corporates at the front end of complex, country-changing projects. The L.E.K. Team’s project experience includes advising on Western Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport Rail Link, Auckland Light Rail and significant other road, rail, energy, aviation and technology projects across the APAC region.
The MCPA team comprises six of Australia’s most highly respected infrastructure advisory practitioners and plans to expand in 2022 as the practice establishes nationally and into L.E.K.’s global partnership.
Mr. Sponholz began his career in law before moving on to diverse advisory and management roles in major organizations driving corporate and organizational strategy and performance improvement. He will be supported by Senior L.E.K. Partner Simon Barrett who has more than 30 years’ experience in strategy consulting in infrastructure and transport across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.
“More than ever, clients are looking for ways to ensure they can control costs and risks as major projects become even larger and more complex to deliver. Effective set up of contracts and a thorough understanding and allocation of risk are critical to protect clients,” Mr. Barrett said.
“We have seen firsthand what happens when responsibility for different phases of a major capital project is taken by short-term participants. Large-scale, complex projects require a consistent approach throughout to obviate risk and ensure cohesion.”
Two years in development, the MCPA model is aimed at both the corporate and government major project markets and addresses critical issues not managed by existing advisory models.
The full spectrum of MCPA’s offering comprises working with clients to deliver on:
- Capital strategy, capital allocation and portfolio optimization
- Project feasibility, delivery strategy and value improvement
- Operational strategies that achieve value for money
- Identifying and mitigating project risks
- Managing stakeholders and regulatory requirements
- Establishing and managing procurement processes
- Designing project organisations, governance and technology platforms
- Improving the efficiency of asset maintenance.
More details exist on L.E.K.’s website: https://www.lek.com/capabilities/major-capital-projects-advisory
About L.E.K. Consulting
We’re L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consultancy working with business leaders to seize competitive advantage and amplify growth. Our insights are catalysts that reshape the trajectory of our clients’ businesses, uncovering opportunities and empowering them to master their moments of truth. Since 1983, our worldwide practice — spanning the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe — has guided leaders across all industries from global corporations to emerging entrepreneurial businesses and private equity investors. Looking for more? Visit www.lek.com.
Media Inquiries
For media enquiries including interviews with MCPA Partners please contact
Dominic Eggers, Chief Marketing Officer – Australia
M: +61 438 889 767
E: d.eggers@lek.com