Darren Black

Executive summary

Darren is the National Leader of BDO's Project & Infrastructure Advisory team, based in Brisbane. Leading a national team that helps governments, investors, developers and institutions, Darren helps plan, procure and deliver complex infrastructure and capital investment programs across Australia.

With over 20 years of experience, Darren has advised on nationally significant transport, health, utilities, tourism, housing and social infrastructure projects, bringing together strategic, commercial and financial expertise to help clients make better investment decisions.

Recognised for his expertise in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), business cases, commercial structuring and infrastructure strategy, Darren works across the full project lifecycle - from early planning and policy development through procurement, transactions and delivery.

As National Leader, Darren is responsible for the strategic growth of BDO's Project & Infrastructure Advisory practice, strengthening national capability and ensuring clients have access to multidisciplinary teams that combine economics, commercial advisory, financial modelling, governance, program delivery and project assurance.

His practical, commercially focused approach helps clients balance public value, investment outcomes and delivery certainty on some of Australia's most complex infrastructure programs.

With significant investment underway across Australia, including the opportunities presented by Brisbane 2032, Darren works with clients to unlock infrastructure outcomes that create long-term economic and community value.

Expertise

• Public Private Partnerships (PPP)
• Infrastructure strategy
• Business cases and investment decisions
• Commercial and financial advisory
• Infrastructure economics
• Procurement and transactions
• Major projects
• Capital program advisory
• Governance and assurance
• Project and program delivery
• Risk management
• Infrastructure policy

Experience

Government and public sector

• A federal government rail corporation - Engagement partner and business case lead for a rail project business case
• A state government department - Financial, commercial, and economic adviser for a major light rail project’s business case stage
• A state government-owned utilities company - Led a detailed sourcing strategy review and analysis to determine optimal maintenance and operations
• A state government department - Catchment development project - Undertook a water supply assessment and worked with the technical team to develop analysis options for a financial and economic study.

Utilities

• A water company - Developed a financial model in consultation with various stakeholders to analyse streamlined water treatment outsourcing options
• A gas company - Led the commercial/financial team during a transaction to find a partner to treat wastewater created via the gas extraction process.

Qualifications and affiliations

• Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance; Economics) (Honours)
• Member, AICD
• Affiliate Member, CA ANZ