Key hire will help ANZ businesses further decarbonise on ‘financially attractive’ journey to net zero emissions
Global management consulting firm, Partners in Performance, has bolstered the leadership of its energy transition practice with the senior appointment of Julian McCarthy as Director.
Bringing more than three decades of international experience to the firm, McCarthy will be central to furthering Partners in Performance’s rapid growth and position as a pace setter in energy transition. He will play a key role in empowering organisations globally to meet rapidly escalating mandates for decarbonisation, leveraging the firm’s unique, pragmatic approach.
“I’m passionate about clean energy transition and have long admired the work of Partners in Performance,” says McCarthy. ”The firm’s focus on unlocking strategic and operational potential, backed by close partnership and capability-building with clients, is pivotal to ensuring lasting, positive outcomes.”
“This is exactly what businesses need now; a partner to help take real action and advance their journey to net-zero emissions. Last year alone, Partners in Performance helped clients remove 40 million tonnes of annual CO2 equivalent which is roughly equal to taking all Australian passenger vehicles off the road. Who wouldn’t want to accelerate that achievement?”
McCarthy brings to Partners in Performance a track record of transforming performance and building leadership capabilities. His experience spans multiple sectors of the energy value chain, including solar and wind technology, electric power generation, fuel transportation, ocean shipping, and energy-intensive industries such as steel and aluminium.
McCarthy will work alongside Partners in Performance Managing Director, Skipp Williamson, to support the firm’s 40-plus current energy transition engagements, while also building on the firm’s world-class capabilities and solutions across all elements of the energy transition journey.
“Julian brings a unique mix of international experience, skills in making change happen, and expertise in energy transition that is much needed in our industry,” says Skipp. “He is well positioned to help lead our energy transition operations in ANZ, as an increasing number of businesses engage in sustainability initiatives and work through the various stages and scopes of decarbonisation.”
“Energy transition is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’, but a business imperative,” explains Skipp. “The technology and funding are available now, making transition not only economically viable, but also financially attractive.”
“Organisations can save costs, access cheaper capital, unlock value for customers, mitigate climate risk, and attract and retain talent through a concerted drive to low-carbon operations.”
Throughout his career, McCarthy has advised Boards and CEOs on strategic and operational transformation across multiple industries in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia. In the past several years he has had a front-row seat experiencing a critical turning point in the history of energy transition.
“There is widespread, growing commitment to decarbonising the global economy,” says McCarthy. “Australia’s unique circumstances present an unprecedented opportunity for organisations to take a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also capturing economic benefit. Businesses are asking us to help them pave the way to a sustainable future.”
McCarthy’s appointment is another crucial step in Partner in Performance’s global commitment to building an industry leading practice of over 90 employees, including 16 Directors, which has already drawn impressive talent to the firm.
“I’m excited about working with my new colleagues to support clients in their transformational journey to low-carbon operations,” says McCarthy. “The Partners in Performance DNA of pragmatism, results orientation and collaboration is exactly what is needed to deliver maximum benefits with rigour and speed.”
McCarthy began his consulting career with McKinsey & Company where he was Director and Senior Partner. He went on to become Managing Director at AlixPartners, Senior Operations Advisor for a leading global private equity firm, and Director for TruePoint LLC, before joining Partners in Performance in February 2022. McCarthy began his career as a mechanical engineer working in renewable energy.
“Now is the time to act and protect our planet,” says Skipp. “There is unprecedented demand for our energy transition services, and for good reason. Julian joins Partners in Performance at a time of tremendous growth and we look forward to seeing the positive impact and energy he brings to the team and our clients.”
