I joined PA 25 years ago as the firm’s first ‘graduate’ recruit. Upon completion of my PhD in mathematical physics, I had decided to move into ‘industry’ rather than stay in scientific research. I saw consulting as an effective way to do this whilst using my analytical and research skills.
I have spent most of my time working in the UK and US on projects in banking, automotive, defence and general public sectors. My specialities are programme management, performance and operational improvement, and management information systems.
PA projects are great opportunities to help clients solve difficult problems and grasp competitive opportunities. I find working on them immensely satisfying; particularly where we help clients explore new profit avenues or ways of working.
My most enjoyable project work was on the UK’s drug strategy, a great example of Decision Sciences consultants delivering tremendous results as part of a wider PA team. The core of our challenge was to develop a framework to fulfil the need for information at all levels regarding the management of drug-using offenders, from local practitioners trying to get them into treatment through to the Prime Minister, who was anxious to understand that the policy was effective. To take successful action, it is vital that local-level practitioners understand the offenders they deal with, and the options available to them. At a national level, decision-makers need to understand the relative effectiveness of different measures, and optimise the use of the funds available.
We used complex analytics to combine data from different sources and to select the best proxies where no data was available. In contrast to this complexity, our communications were carefully tailored to each audience to present only the necessary details, as simply as possible. The work resulted in better informed decision-making at all stages in the chain, and delivered measurable improvements to the care and rehabilitation of drug-using offenders.
Now, as head of the Decision Sciences practice, my focus is more on what our consultants can deliver, rather than on my own personal consulting skills. One of the most important parts of my role is developing our people: improving their operating skills, leading them in project teams and ensuring that they have the same career opportunities that I have benefited from at PA.
I take great interest in recruitment, making sure our Decision Sciences practice is strong in selling and operating the kind of work that both our clients need and our consultants love to deliver. In this way, we continue to leverage the analytical, modelling and presentational skills that are vital components of wider PA projects.
Outside work, my interests include travel (to unusual places when possible), walking, reading, gliding and sailing.
