Michael Shirley to rewrite client rulebook

16 February 2016 - Engineering and consulting firm, Aurecon’s Global CEO, Giam Swiegers today welcomed Michael Shirley to Aurecon as Managing Director, Clients and a member of Aurecon’s Executive Committee.

“Michael Shirley is one of our industry’s most respected business leaders. I am delighted to welcome him to Aurecon where he will drive our global account management and lead a programme which will harness innovative thinking to drive excellence in how we engage with our clients.”

“The engineering and infrastructure industry faces huge change and challenges over the next few years. To be seen as the provider of choice by the market, we must know our clients and their businesses better than our competitors. And we must excel in bringing innovation and expertise to the table to help solve their most difficult problems,” said Giam.

Michael Shirley joins Aurecon from Jacobs, where he was most recently Group Vice President ANZ Infrastructure and Environment.

Throughout his career, Michael has worked with clients on large infrastructure projects and in global delivery across Asia Pacific, the Americas, and the Middle East.

“I have a passion for clients, talent and innovation,” said Michael. “I believe that there is an opportunity to rewrite the rulebook in how professional services firms engage with their clients.

“Rather than just responding to a design brief this may mean a deeper collaboration with clients to better identify their challenges and together create a more innovative solution

“With population growth and rapid urbanisation driving an infrastructure deficit in our cities, there is an opportunity for collaborative design thinking that can deliver a wider range of community benefits,” said Michael.

“While we don't underestimate the challenging business environment, leaders who can create a culture of curiosity that encourages their organisations to be agile with innovative new business models and services, will succeed.” added Giam.

Michael’s appointment as Managing Director, Clients accompanies several other significant appointments - Andrew Muller as Chief Financial Officer; Dr Andrew Maher as Chief Digital Officer; and Maureen Thurston as Global Director, Design to Innovate. Together, these appointments are key to Aurecon’s strategy to strengthen its operational excellence, client relationships and competitiveness in the global marketplace.