Avista Strategy shakes up the infrastructure advisory space

A new player has entered the infrastructure advisory space, with the official launch of Avista Strategy by founding Partners Hayley Davis, Lee Callaghan, Peter Colacino, Dale Evans, and Andrew Quincey.

Different by design, Avista Strategy is a purpose-driven firm focused on solving complex infrastructure, public policy and project delivery challenges in the Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom markets.

With deep expertise in business strategy and transformation, new and improved delivery models, ecosystem integration, and productivity improvements, Avista Strategy brings together a team of 15 consultants with a shared commitment to delivering better social outcomes and industry change.  

“We know infrastructure can deliver more for people and places. Avista Strategy is here to challenge the status quo, and shape infrastructure that delivers exceptional outcomes both now and into the future,” said Peter Colacino, one of five founding Partners.

“When you look across the breadth of experience and knowledge in our team, I think it’s fair to say we bring an unrivalled track record in setting the industry agenda. Our team has supported infrastructure owners and clients across multiple sectors, and we are excited to come together to bring this expertise to a sector facing a huge amount of change,” Mr Colacino added.

“There are seismic shifts underway globally and locally that are impacting infrastructure delivery capacity. This includes major shortages of labour, skills and materials, significant reprofiling of the investment pipeline and the global trade pivot which is impacting supply chains.

“The sector is also still grappling with challenges around flood recovery and resilience, responding to changed demand as some of the impacts of the pandemic ‘stick’ and planning for our future cities in this new and constantly changing environment.  Avista Strategy is here to help public and private sector clients make sense of this ‘new normal,’” Mr Colacino said.

Avista Strategy Partner Hayley Davis said the firm has been designed to bring together a diversity of thought and experience, combining skills and people from all walks of life.

“For us diversity and inclusion are more than words. It’s actually key to bringing the best advice and insights to our clients. Our communities are diverse with a great combination of cultures, ages, gender and history – so too is Avista Strategy to best reflect the community that we seek to serve.

“Another thing that sets Avista apart is that we have adopted an ‘employee-owned’ ethos, which will be achieved through an employee options scheme, to share business value, and bonus distribution linked to the success and profitability of the business. As co-owners in the business, the team is fully invested in achieving client outcomes and overall business performance.

“Some companies talk about investing in their people…we’ve gone beyond that by extending ownership to our staff, because we believe in them and their capacity to truly shift the infrastructure goalposts,” Ms Davis said.