HKA strengthens its Forensic Technical Services practice with the acquisition of GMR Aviation Consulting
4th January 2023
HKA, a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert witness and litigation support services, is delighted to announce it has acquired GMR Aviation Consulting (GMRA), a specialist firm providing expert consulting and training services to both the civil and military aviation sectors globally.
Based primarily in the UK, GMRA’s core clients include some of the world’s largest global aeronautical companies, as well as medium- and small-sized businesses and entrepreneurial boutiques.
Amanda Clack, Regional CEO, EMEA at HKA said:
“Adding the combination of the HKA brand capabilities in Forensic Technical Services, with GMRA’s in-depth expertise in aviation consulting, is an exciting start to 2023. At HKA we always want to continue to provide leading consultancy advice in risk mitigation for our clients across the globe, and this team provides a welcome addition to our specialist capabilities in this area.”
The acquisition of this specialist business brings a new area of capabilities and expertise to HKA’s Forensic Technical Services (FTS) practice, allowing the firm to extend its service offering to existing and new clients specific to the aviation legal sector. HKA’s new aviation technical expert capabilities will also complement its existing commercial damages practice, which provides services to the aviation disputes market.
The acquisition welcomes a team of well-respected and talented experts with a strong pedigree in the world of aviation, along with a wider multi-disciplined team of over 40 aviation professionals who join HKA as Independent Consulting Experts.
Lloyd Watson joins HKA as Technical Director, Aviation and Space Technical Division Lead.
Lloyd is a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot and aviation operations leader with over 35 years of experience in both military and commercial aviation. Lloyd has been the safety director for a global petroleum organisation, has instructed at flight academies and has worked in airline flight planning, air displays and a wide variety of military operations. He is an expert in operational risk assessment and safety.
“We are incredibly proud to be joining HKA, the leading global consultancy in risk mitigation and dispute resolution. We have worked hard to provide an exceptional service to our clients and the HKA brand now enhances our capabilities and provides the opportunity to expand our customer base from regional to truly global”.
Lloyd Watson, CEO, GMR Aviation Consulting
Simon Dean McCarroll joins HKA as Technical Director.
Simon is an airport operations leader with over 25 years of experience both as an airport client and as a consultant. He is an expert in aviation facilities planning, terminal design and airfield simulation, to financial astuteness and operational control. Simon has undertaken more than 20 technical due diligence projects, advising major investors on the purchase of aviation assets.
Ross Priday joins HKA as Technical Director.
Ross is a senior military leader and aviation engineering leader by background. Ross is a qualified safety professional, strategic programme manager and Flight Test Engineer. A former Chief Engineer for the famous Red Arrows display team, Ross draws on over 30 years of experience in the aviation sector to advise clients on how to improve safety, organisational and human performance. He is an expert in incident analysis and investigation, along with error management, specialising in risk assessment, controls and barriers.
Gerry Brannigan, Partner and Head of Forensic Technical Services said:
“The mission at HKA is to help our clients access the world’s very best experts, those with a proven track record in bringing credible and demonstrable depth that makes a difference.
Aviation-related disputes are on the rise, and with the acquisition of GMR Aviation, HKA now has an unrivalled portfolio of some of the very best global aviation experts which will bring real value to our clients.
This strategic acquisition reaffirms our commitment to expanding our business by targeting leaders in our markets alongside sustained organic growth. We are delighted to further enhance the value HKA offers to clients with the talented team at GMR Aviation”
HKA’s Forensic Technical Services practice comprises a network of over 500 subject-matter forensic technical expert witnesses in over 180 specialist areas in multiple industry sectors including construction buildings and infrastructure, energy resources and industrial, IT, cyber and technology, ESG and climate change, digital and information forensics, and aviation and space.
ABOUT HKA
HKA is a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation and dispute resolution, using our multi-disciplinary expertise to provide a comprehensive set of specialist services:
- Expert, Claims and Advisory services for the capital projects and infrastructure sector
- Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages services for all types of contracts, including commercial and investment treaty disputes
- Consulting services to support companies working on US Federal Government contracts.
Headquartered in the UK, HKA brings a proud record of excellent service and high achievement to bear on today’s challenges. As trusted independent consultants, experts and advisers, we help clients manage disputes, risk and uncertainty on complex contracts and challenging projects.
We work with government agencies, local authorities, contractors, legal firms, and other professional service providers, as well as owners and operators, financial institutions and insurers. Clients have access to leaders and problem-solvers who decode complexity through collaborative working and innovative thinking, making the best possible outcomes a reality for our clients, every time.
As well as more than 500 expert witnesses, HKA now has in excess of 500 advisors and consultants – across 40+ offices in 18 countries – with the skills and experience that are essential to get to the heart of even the most complex issues. Our people have vast first-hand experience spanning all major industries and the world’s most complex megaprojects, as well as an international track record of achieving successful outcomes.
HKA’s global portfolio includes some of the world’s largest and most prestigious commissions across a wide range of industries including buildings, industrial and manufacturing, power and utilities, resources, transportation infrastructure, technology, financial services, government contracts and non-profit.
Media contact:
| NAME | Suzanne Rayson |
| TITLE | Regional Marketing Manager |
| NUMBER | +44 1928 756 600 |
| SuzanneRayson@hka.com |
For more information about HKA, visit hka.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter (@HKAGlobal) and Facebook.
