Infrastructure Australia, a statutory authority of the federal government, has appointed Mr Philip Davies as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Chairman Mark Birrell said the board was pleased to welcome Mr Davies and looked forward to working with him on the key reports that Infrastructure Australia will deliver in 2015 and beyond. Mr Birrell stated:

"Mr Davies is a highly qualified engineer and infrastructure expert and has valuable experience in both the public and private sectors."

Mr Davies currently leads AECOM's Infrastructure Advisory practice for Asia Pacific and was an executive at Transport for London earlier in his career. He has previously advised the Commonwealth Government on High Speed Rail and state governments on transformational transport projects.

His experience includes being a Board member of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia and of the Committee for Sydney, roles from which he will now retire.

In mid-2014, with multi-partisan support, the Infrastructure Australia Act was amended to create an Independent Board with the right to appoint the organisation's first CEO.

Following the appointment of the Board in September 2014, an extensive recruitment process was initiated with international recruitment firm Korn Ferry undertaking the search process.

Mr Davies said he was honoured to be appointed Infrastructure Australia's Chief Executive and looked forward to working with the independent Board and the Chairman. Mr Davies, who will begin his new role in April, commented:

"This is an exciting opportunity, working closely with our State and Territory colleagues, to shape the long term plan for Australia's infrastructure. We can develop the evidence base to support the investment priorities for nationally significant infrastructure."

Mr Birrell said Mr Davies will have a critical role driving Infrastructure Australia's fresh mandate, starting with the finalisation of the Australian Infrastructure Audit. Extensive public consultation on the Audit's findings will feed into the delivery of the 15 year Infrastructure Plan. Mr Birrell added:

"The Australian Infrastructure Audit is a root and branch review of the key drivers of our infrastructure needs across the nation. It will set the foundations for our Infrastructure Plan, which will identify and prioritise major infrastructure projects and reforms to support Australia's growth and increase productivity. Working together we can help shape Australia's infrastructure future."