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With over 30 years of experience in the infrastructure sector, Gareth Heatley is at the forefront of delivering groundbreaking projects, including the visionary Qiddiya giga-city program in Saudi Arabia. In this Q&A, Gareth deep dives into our approach to delivering complex major programs that create enduring value for clients and communities worldwide.

Tell us a bit about the work you do in program management.

I collaborate with our teams worldwide to advance the strategic priorities of ���سԹϺ���һ����������’ one-billion-dollar program management portfolio, leveraging our global network of expertise to tackle some of the world’s most complex and demanding programs. Currently, my primary focus to support our clients and teams in India and Hong Kong where we’re seeing significant growth opportunities in large-scale urban development, healthcare and infrastructure programs.

How are you solving our client’s biggest challenges?

Our global program management team has successfully delivered some of the world’s largest and most complex programs for decades. We understand that programs deliver more than just a physical asset; they create enduring legacies in areas such as sustainability, resiliency, workforce development and community engagement. We adapt our integrated approach and work alongside our clients, combining technical expertise and using collaborative planning to deliver lasting, positive outcomes for clients and communities.

What are the key insights from your program management experience?

Success begins with strong foundations which lay the groundwork for how a program will be delivered. Developing a plan and assembling a capable team to implement the program is critical. Through my years of experience, the key principles that drive program success include:

• Set up for success: Programs thrive when teams are well-prepared, operationally effective and aligned from the start. A strong setup creates a stable foundation for effective team collaboration, overcoming challenges and navigating complexity. 
• Establish early and clear alignment to a shared vision: A well-defined and clearly communicated vision, supported by detailed plans, robust processes and effective tools, ensures everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.
• Minimize and manage potential changes: Unnecessary changes can derail progress, so it’s critical to establish a well-defined scope and rigorously manage any necessary adjustments within the program.
• Create the right working environment: A positive, open and empowering leadership culture fosters collaboration and engagement. Encouraging constructive challenge and diverse perspectives also helps teams perform at their best. 
• Focus on delivering target outcomes: Leveraging the full potential of a program to deliver comprehensive outcomes is consequential, often delivering benefits to the wider community and a diverse number of stakeholders. Ultimately, successful program management isn’t just about delivering on time and budget – it’s about creating a lasting impact that extends beyond the immediate goals of the program. 

Given the scale and complexity of major programs, what have been the biggest challenges in your role?

Programs today are larger, faster-paced and becoming increasingly more complex – often amid industry-wide resource and capability constraints. We tackle these challenges by integrating global expertise with a strong investment in building local capabilities, tools and technologies. By leveraging innovation, data-driven insights and a commitment to capacity building, we not only address these constraints but also ensure the delivery of long-term, successful outcomes for our clients and communities. We actively collaborate with our clients and partners to share best practices, knowledge and tools – empowering them to establish and sustain highly effective teams over time.

From your perspective, what are some of the key considerations that help drive successful programs?

The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, often hailed as one of the most successful major programs, offer lessons learned that remain highly relevant today. We helped to deliver the six-year, $15 billion program to design and build 30 sustainable venues and scalable infrastructure. To top it off, the project was completed a year ahead of schedule and 10 percent below budget. Key to its long-term success is the impact of wider regeneration of the area and the creation of new opportunities for communities.

Success factors drawn from this experience include:

• A unifying vision that aligned all parties on a common goal.
• Consistent political leadership providing stability.
• Strong governance with clear accountability and decision-making structures.
• The right mix of experienced people and skills from diverse sectors.
• Budget transparency with appropriate contingency and regular reporting.
• A well-defined scope to minimize changes.
• High-level assurance through both internal and external scrutiny.

What steps were taken so a major program was delivered on time and on budget?

Establishing a realistic budget with an appropriate contingency plan is critical. Equally important is developing a shared vision with the client, ensuring alignment on objectives, priorities and success criteria. By fostering a strong partnership built on open communication and trust, all parties remain invested in achieving the program goals.

The principles of the  enable delivery on time and budget because all associated parties commit to “act in a spirit of mutual trust and collaboration,” fostering proactive issue resolution. Early identification of risks, clear delegation of authority and effective decision-making help ensure program objectives are met efficiently.

What technologies or construction methods are emerging that will transform infrastructure program delivery?

Data analytics is set to revolutionize program management by enabling faster, more integrated and better-informed decision-making. Leveraging artificial intelligence takes this a step further, helping us navigate complex environments and address challenges like resource constraints, while providing new opportunities to optimize program delivery. 

Emerging technologies such as automation, production-based thinking and 3D printing are also reshaping physical construction methods, driving efficiency and precision in delivery. When combined with systems thinking and more effective use of data, these advancements empower policymakers and decision-makers with deeper insights into design and delivery – fundamentally transforming how we approach and deliver major infrastructure programs.

What is unique about ���سԹϺ���һ����������’ approach to program management and culture?

Our team brings an unrivalled strength, depth and experience in program management underpinned by proven processes, procedures and tools. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to programs, combined with strategic thinking and a strong culture of collaboration. By prioritizing strategic alignment and value-driven solutions, we consistently deliver transformative program outcomes for our clients and the communities they serve.