The utilities sector is undergoing significant transformation to adapt to climate change, technological advancements, shifting customer demands, and workforce expectations. These changes require greater network resilience, forward-thinking planning, and innovative funding models to secure future servicing needs and financial sustainability.
In response, we are reshaping our organisational structure. From 13 January 2025, URA will sit under the “Utilities Advisory” group, designed to bring together complementary expertise to continue supporting the utilities sectors.
We are honoured and privileged to announce we are partnering with the amazing Melissa Thek to establish Utilities Strategy Advisory (USA), a separate but complementary business to URA.
USA will seek to support our same clients, through the development and delivery of corporate strategy and business transformation advice.
Many of you will know Mel from her time as General Manager Business Transformation with Gippsland Water and Director Strategy, Transformation and Delivery at Sequana.
Joining Mel will be Sarah Thomson, former General Manager of Strategy, Governance and Finance (CFO) at Goulburn Valley Water.
Mel and Sarah will be ably supported by Peter Skeels, former General Manager of Operations and Senior Executive Advisor at Gippsland Water, and former CEO of the ESC, John Hamill, GAICD.
USA will focuse on strategy and transformation, addressing challenges like climate change, sustainability, and customer engagement. Its key services include:
- Corporate Strategy and Ecosystem Development
- Governance Design
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
- Transformation Leadership
- Process Re-Engineering and Continuous Improvement
- Change Management
- Delivery Excellence
Together, these businesses provide integrated solutions to align corporate strategies, business models, and price-setting processes — helping utilities achieve sustainable community outcomes while navigating complex challenges.
Utilities Advisory exists to support utility businesses in addressing critical challenges through specialist, yet integrated advisory services.
It is our mission to continue empowering utilities to deliver sustainable, community-focused services that maximise value and resilience.
