HKA announced today that the Oceania and Asia businesses have united as a single powerful region under newly appointed Regional CEO Benjamin Highfield.

The Asia Pacific region brings together 145 people, including ten Partners, in nine offices across seven countries. The team comprises the region’s leading construction and commercial damages experts and infrastructure advisory consultants providing dispute resolution and advisory services to private and public sector clients across all industries, including construction, transport, roads, rail, utilities, power, and renewables. The strength of the regions coming together provides clients with a diversity of skills and experience unparalleled in Asia Pacific. 

“The synergies between Asia and Oceania have been apparent for some time. With our new investor onboard, it is the perfect time to bring the regions together, and it’s the next step in HKA’s evolution as a business.  

Establishing our Asia Pacific region supports HKA’s growth ambitions and unites Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, setting them up for further successful collaboration and growth.”

Renny Borhan – Global CEO

“The merger has created a stronger team in terms of experience, ambition and ability to provide services at various levels. Colleagues can enjoy the benefits of working together across the wider region and HKA APAC will improve, grow, and enhance our service offerings for clients. It’s an exciting time as we expand the Asia Pacific team and build on our existing strengths.”

Benjamin Highfield – Regional CEO, Asia Pacific

As part of this evolution, the following key appointments were announced:

• Benjamin Highfield will be responsible for the overall success of the Asia Pacific region
• Alistair Mein will lead our Asia Pacific Operations
• Amelia East will lead our Asia Pacific Advisory business
• Jonathan Humphrey will lead our Asia Pacific Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages business
• Kourosh Kayvani will lead our Asia Pacific Forensic Technical Services business
• Nicky Batt will lead our Asia Pacific People team
• Shamila Neelakandan will lead our Asia Pacific Construction Claims and Expert Services business.

In addition, Dafydd Wyn Owen has relocated to London in a global role, focusing on strategic Advisory growth, key pursuits, and business development. He will continue to work with clients in Oceania and other regions.

HKA Asia Pacific leadership team

BENJAMIN HIGHFIELD

CEO, ASIA PACIFIC

Ben is a claims and disputes specialist with more than 15 years’ major project experience in the construction industry. He regularly advises clients on commercial and contractual matters, as well as claims management and dispute resolution. Most recently, Ben was the Head of Asia. Ben is based in Dubai, UAE.

ALISTAIR MEIN

HEAD OF OPERATIONS, ASIA PACIFIC

Al is a senior advisor with over 20 years’ experience on major infrastructure projects, organisational development and transformation programs, as well as the planning and oversight for major urban renewal projects. Most recently, Al was the Head of Oceania. Al is based in Sydney, Australia.

AMELIA EAST

HEAD OF ADVISORY, ASIA PACIFIC

Amelia is a qualified solicitor in New Zealand, England and Wales and has nearly 20 years’ industry experience in construction, infrastructure, water, and energy. She has worked across a broad range of commercial, financial, infrastructure, transport and implementation projects in global companies, central and local government. Amelia is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

JONATHAN HUMPHREY

HEAD OF FACD, ASIA PACIFIC

Jonathan Humphrey is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience in forensic accounting. He has been appointed as an expert more than 50 times in commercial and investment treaty cases, dealing with matters of damages and quantum. Jonathan is based in Sydney, Australia.

KOUROSH KAYVANI

HEAD OF FORENSIC TECHNICAL SERVICES, ASIA PACIFIC

Dr Kourosh Kayvani is a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience. As a technical expert, Kourosh has been cross-examined in litigation and has delivered expert reports for disputed projects and structural failures in steel structures, long-span roofs, industrial processes and infrastructure. Kourosh is based in Sydney, Australia.

NICKY BATT

PEOPLE DIRECTOR, ASIA PACIFIC

Nicky has more than 25 years’ experience as a People leader in operational human resources and organisational development in Australia, the Asia Pacific region, and globally. Nicky is based in Sydney, Australia.

SHAMILA NEELAKANDAN

HEAD OF CONSTRUCTION CLAIMS & EXPERT SERVICES, ASIA PACIFIC

Shamila is a dual-qualified lawyer (Malaysia and UK) with 26 years of legal, contracts and commercial experience in the construction industry. Her experience includes tender negotiations, procurement, commercial strategy and claims management. Shamila is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.