Deloitte snags former big 4 chief economist

Business

Deloitte has announced the appointment of a former big four chief economist, as it seeks to boost its urban advisory capabilities.

Promoted by Jotham Lian 2 minute read

The big four firm has appointed Nicki Hutley as partner, who will lead Deloitte Access Economics’ urban advisory practice.

Ms Hutley was a former director and chief economist at rival firm KPMG from 2011 to 2013, before joining urban development advisory firm, Urbis as director of national economic advisory and chief economist.

Ms Hutley was also previously principal economist at Access Economics, prior to its acquisition by Deloitte in 2011.

Additionally, Ms Hutley is a member of the inaugural committee of the NSW Branch of the Women in Economics Network, a Council member of the Economics Society of Australia (NSW) and in 2016 was appointed to the NSW Department of Industry’s Expert Advisory Panel on Economic Development.

Deloitte Access Economics lead partner Stephen Smith welcomed Ms Hutley’s appointment and said it would bolster its Sydney economics team’s capabilities.

“With more than 25 years’ economic, financial market and public policy experience, her technical expertise and her credentials, Nicki will add even greater depth and capability to our Sydney practice, and particularly across the urban advisory sector, covering issues such as affordable housing, managing density, optimising transport oriented developments, and delivering effective social infrastructure,” said Mr Smith.

“She is a highly respected expert in economic impact assessment, investment analysis, economic modelling, cost-benefit analysis, evaluation, forecasting, and reviews of government policy – and a fantastic addition to the Deloitte Access Economics team.”

Ms Hutley said she was happy to return to her roots with Deloitte Access Economics and was looking forward to the challenges in the sector.

“As Australian cities continue to grow, we need to make decisions that generate the best possible economic, social, environmental, and financial outcomes. This requires cross-agency, and often cross-government, collaboration. We also need to articulate clearly to communities why particular solutions have been chosen, and bring them on the journey,” said Ms Hutley.

“By applying rigorous analysis to policies, programs and projects, we can help decision-makers ensure that Australia’s cities and regions are thriving and vibrant, maximising their economic potential, addressing disadvantage, and improving living standards for all.

“Across both public and private sectors, Australia presents a range of urban and regional development challenges, as well as real opportunities, and I’m looking forward to working with clients across a broad spectrum of policy and business issues.”

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Jotham Lian

Jotham Lian

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Jotham Lian is the editor of Accountants Daily, the leading source of breaking news, analysis and insight for Australian accounting professionals.

Before joining the team in 2017, Jotham wrote for a range of national mastheads including the Sydney Morning Herald, and Channel NewsAsia.

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