BDO appoints 2 partners to its project and infrastructure advisory practice

BDO Australia has welcomed Scott Edwards to its Brisbane office as its new national project and infrastructure advisory partner and Jenelle Forrest to the firm’s Perth office, also as a national project and infrastructure advisory partner.

Edwards joined the firm with over 20 years of experience in major projects, commercial advisory, and transaction management. Edwards was an executive director at IAG for five years, following time spent at the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning with the Queensland government.

Through his time working on nationally significant infrastructure and investment initiatives, Edwards’ expertise lies in project planning and delivery strategies, procurement, contracts, and commercial advice.

"BDO has built an outstanding reputation for delivering practical advice that helps clients achieve meaningful outcomes. I'm looking forward to working with the team to grow our Project & Infrastructure Advisory practice,” Edwards said.

Forrest also joined the firm with over two decades of experience, where she advised clients across health, government, energy and utilities, tourism, sport, and major events. Prior to joining BDO, Forrest was a managing director at Scyne Advisory and served as a director at PwC from mid 2022 to late 2023.

With a career consulting across numerous industries, Forrest specialises in strategic infrastructure investment, capital projects, governance, transformation, and commercial advisory, having supported organisations in making confident decisions and maximising value from complex investments.

"The opportunity to help organisations navigate complex investment decisions and deliver projects that create lasting value is something I'm passionate about. I'm looking forward to working alongside the team and supporting clients across Western Australia," Forrest said.

BDO Brisbane office managing partner Steven Sorbello said that the Edwards’ appointment of Edward reflected continued demand for strategic infrastructure and commercial advisory services at a time when governments and private organisations invest in increasingly complex projects.

"Scott brings an outstanding combination of commercial, legal and project delivery expertise that will strengthen our ability to support clients undertaking major infrastructure, property and government projects," Sorbello said.

"His experience leading complex procurement processes, negotiating commercial outcomes, and delivering practical advice across major public and private sector initiatives aligns perfectly with the needs of our clients."

BDO Brisbane office managing partner James Massie-Taylor said Forrest’s appointment reflected the firm’s continued investment in its Western Australian advisory capability.

"Jenelle brings a wealth of experience advising clients on some of Western Australia's most significant infrastructure and economic development initiatives. Her strategic perspective, commercial acumen and pragmatic approach make her an outstanding addition to our Perth partnership,” Massie-Taylor said.

"Western Australia continues to see strong demand for infrastructure and project advisory services across both the public and private sectors. Jenelle's appointment reflects our commitment to building a team that helps clients navigate complexity, unlock value, and deliver projects with confidence."