Newton hires Benoît Laclau to lead energy and infrastructure globally
Newton has announced the appointment of Benoît Laclau as senior partner for global energy and infrastructure. He will also sit on the firm’s operating board, helping deliver Newton’s strategy to meet the needs of its growing international client base.
Steve Phillips, managing partner at Newton, commented, “Newton’s focus is consistent in delivering unrivalled impact for our clients. We strive to continuously strengthen our business in ways that enable us to work as the best strategic delivery partner to our clients. This means we are fully committed to purposeful investments in our capabilities, experience, and leadership that help us deliver ever greater meaningful impact on our clients outcomes. Benoît’s experience and skill make him well placed to grow Newton’s international energy and infrastructure capability globally, and I look forward to working with him.”
Newton works with leading organisations across consumer, defence, energy and infrastructure, and public sectors to deliver transformation with a lasting, competitive edge. Benoît Laclau will now lead its energy and infrastructure expansion globally. He joins with over 30 years of international experience leading some of the largest and most complex business transformations across the energy, utilities, and infrastructure sectors.
Laclau most recently spent 14 years with Big Four firm EY. In 2020, Laclau was named EY Consulting’s UK and Ireland managing partner – while he also served as global lead across energy, power and utilities. His exit follows EY’s protracted struggle to divorce its audit and advisory wings – which, after the move collapsed, took a toll on the firm’s revenues, and resulted in a steady outflow of senior talent.
Speaking on his new role, Laclau added, “I have been fortunate to work with exceptional teams over the years, helping organisations deliver complex change and achieve lasting outcomes. What has mattered most to me throughout that journey is working with people who are committed to delivering real value. It’s clear that Newton lives and breathes this commitment, with a laser-focus on outcomes for clients. The calibre and humility of the team stand out, and the firm’s market-leading growth reflects that.”
His appointment also complements a suite of senior international hires at Newton over the last year. Exiting PA Consulting, Wil Schoenmakers joined as global head of retail and consumer goods, while Tony Ward was hired to lead the North American expansion of Newton’s consumer team from Chicago.
