RC106 MayJune2023 - Magazine - Page 9
How has the Canadian and international infrastructure
sector changed over the past 25 years?
In the beginning of my career, the infrastructure sector
was not yet booming due to economic and political
aspects, so I started in the manufacturing sector and was
later hired by a large infrastructure company. I’ve noticed
a major shift toward mega projects. (Three of these projects by Acciona were included in ReNew Canada’s 2023
Top100 Projects report.)
Also, the global community has become more aware
of the climate emergency and the need for urgent action.
As a result, there has been more focus on environmental
accountability. We started seeing it in the past but
nowadays we are seeing it more and
more reflected in RFPs.
What is your strategy for ensuring the success of mega projects,
such as the Broadway Subway extension, the Pattullo Bridge
replacement and B.C. Hydro’s Site C?
Our five-year plan includes four strategic pillars that we like to
abide by at Acciona—People Centric, Planet Positive, Exponential
Leadership, and Integrate to Transform—and with these mega projects there tends to be an increased focus on my ddiscipline, QHSE.
The people centric pillar emphasizes the health and safety of
the workplace and our zero tolerance for safety risks to ensure all
our people go home safe everyday.
With regard to being planet positive, we apply a sustainable
approach in various aspects of our work, such as responsible water
use, sustainable transportation methods and various actions to
ACCIONA
What are your guiding principles for
managing the complicated challenges
associated with large infrastructure
projects?
I provide technical support to the
business in North America for the
entire lifecycle—from the RFP to
our 100-day plan to achieve quality
assurance, helping review and
select key individuals for the project
teams, and managing operations and
maintenance all the way to close out.
My project management principles are
reinforced with a risk-based thinking
approach. This allows my teams to
achieve optimization of resources,
budget and change management
and optimal communication with all
team members. These are the core
principles that I’m passionate about.
What is your definition of a successful
infrastructure project?
We focus on good governance and
excellence, safety, leadership and
industry leading sustainability
approach. For me an infrastructure
project includes a qualified and
experienced team that also is assertive
about clear communication and
always puts safety at the centre.
Project delivery must be achieved
in accordance with project terms
and agreement requirements. There
are so many types of projects that
I’ve been fortunate to be involved
in and in different aspects and at
different points, from deep tunneling
to weather challenges to concrete innovations,
and more. As I like to say, “the view of the point
depends on the point of the view.” Collaboration
means having boots on the ground and ongoing
consulting between the different areas, underpinned
by good governance and technical excellence.
RENEWCANADA.NET
The $1.38 billion Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project is
No. 52 on ReNew Canada’s 2023 Top100 Projects report.
MAY/JUNE 2023 – RENEW CANADA 9
