IS Council appoints PwC’s Toby Kent as new CEO

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (IS Council) announced the appointment of Toby Kent as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective August. Kent, a PwC partner and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) lead, brings a wealth of experience in sustainability and resilience to the role. He succeeds Ainsley Simpson, who left the IS Council in February 2024.

Toby Kent joins the IS Council with a robust background in sustainability and resilience. He has been serving as a Partner in PwC Australia’s Energy Transition team for the past two years, focusing on strategies to drive sustainable energy solutions. Kent’s previous roles include Chief Resilience Officer for metropolitan Melbourne as part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities program, and Global Head of Sustainable Development at ANZ Bank. His international experience spans senior positions in the UK and Hong Kong, where he led sustainability and climate change initiatives for PwC globally.

Kent co-founded and managed ResilientCo Consulting and has been an active board member of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia for four years. He also served as Chair of the Future Business Council for three years. His extensive experience in managing sustainability projects and engaging with stakeholders has made him a notable figure in the field of environmental and social governance.

The IS Council is a pivotal organization in Australia and New Zealand, working with over 35 federal, state, and local government departments to ensure infrastructure projects deliver cultural, social, environmental, and economic benefits. The Council’s Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme is crucial for evaluating and guiding infrastructure projects, with more than $297 billion worth of projects currently under its rating.

Deb Spring, Chair of the IS Council, expressed enthusiasm about Kent’s appointment. “Toby has steered game-changing sustainability initiatives for both public and private organizations and has exceptional stakeholder governance and operational management skills. A collaborative, values-driven leader, Toby is the ideal person to progress IS Council’s ambitious agenda,” she said.

Kent’s appointment comes at a time when the IS Council is looking to further its impact on infrastructure sustainability. In his new role, Kent will be responsible for driving the Council’s agenda forward, working with members and stakeholders to achieve substantial social, environmental, and economic benefits through infrastructure projects in Australia and New Zealand.

Kent shared his excitement about taking on this new role. On LinkedIn, he stated, “Delighted to be joining this amazing team. Looking forward to working hard on behalf of our members to achieve great social, environmental and economic benefits through Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand’s infrastructure.”

He acknowledged the transformative impact that the IS Council has had on the infrastructure sectors in Australia and New Zealand. “The Council has played a significant role in shaping sustainable infrastructure practices, and I am eager to build on this legacy. Our focus will be on continuing to drive excellence in sustainability across all infrastructure projects, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed current standards and expectations.”

Under the leadership of the new CEO, the IS Council is poised to continue its critical role in the infrastructure sector. The Council’s IS rating scheme has been instrumental in setting high standards for infrastructure projects, helping to ensure that they contribute positively to the environment and society.

The rating scheme’s influence extends across various sectors, providing a framework for assessing the sustainability of infrastructure projects and guiding organizations towards more sustainable practices. By promoting best practices and innovative approaches, the IS Council helps to drive the development of infrastructure that supports long-term sustainability goals.

As Toby Kent steps into the role of CEO, the IS Council is positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and influence. Kent’s extensive background in sustainability and his proven track record in driving impactful initiatives will be crucial in steering the Council through its next phase of development.

The focus will remain on enhancing the effectiveness of the IS rating scheme, expanding its reach, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to advance sustainability in infrastructure. With Kent’s leadership, the IS Council aims to set new benchmarks in infrastructure sustainability and drive positive change across the sector.