Procurement Act 2023: opportunities and risks for construction and major programmes

Julio Lacorzana

Julio is a Chartered Engineer and trusted advisor with over 8 years of experience delivering complex construction and capital projects across the UK and the Middle East. As a Manager at Deloitte, he takes a challenge-focused approach to helping infrastructure clients overcome their most pressing obstacles in the Transport and Energy Transition space. 

He specialises in building resilient operating models with clearly defined roles and accountabilities, designing tailored delivery models that adapt to unique supply and demand pressures, and ensuring project readiness by aligning critical capabilities for success from day one. Julio is also passionate about driving proactive risk management to increase delivery confidence and leveraging data-driven insights to achieve superior programme and project outcomes.

Raj Pathak CEng FICE

Raj Pathak is a senior director at Amentum, where he leads consulting and advisory business within energy and environment, international. With over 25 years of experience, Raj has successfully delivered some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas. His portfolio includes high-profile projects such as Crossrail, High Speed Two and significant initiatives within the defence and energy sectors. 

Raj was pivotal in the delivery of the Crossrail Southeast Section project, including the development of Abbey Wood Station and associated rail systems. He also served as project director for the HS2 Washwood Heath Depot and Network Integrated Control Centre, guiding the project through design development, procurement and planning approval. 

Raj holds a BEng in civil engineering, an MSc in construction management and an MBA. He is completing doctoral research on megaproject governance at Cranfield School of Management.
  
A Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng FICE) and Chartered Project Professional (ChPP FAPM), Raj is also accredited as NEC4 project manager and Six Sigma qualification. 

He actively contributes to the profession as chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) London Regional Committee. Raj’s professional interests include complex project delivery, capability building, and infrastructure policy. 

Romi Alboreto

Romi is a highly accomplished commercial lawyer and the Global Head of Construction Procurement at KPMG. She possesses extensive experience advising on the delivery of high-value, complex projects, both nationally and internationally. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including procurement strategies, contracting options, incentive models, risk management, insurance provisions, and contractual amendments.

She is deeply engaged in advising clients on navigating the complexities of the new Procurement Act. Romi is a recognised industry leader in helping clients leverage these new regulations to maximise their effectiveness and set up major programmes for success.

Malcolm Lewis

Malcolm Lewis FRICS, is a seasoned procurement leader with extensive experience across diverse sectors, including energy, transport, aviation, and healthcare. As a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Malcolm brings over two decades of expertise gained within the construction industry, specializing in driving results through effective operations management and transparent procurement processes.

His career is marked by a commitment to fostering collaborative and inclusive environments that empower teams to optimize commercial practices. Malcolm's leadership has been instrumental in the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, where his people-focused approach and deep understanding of procurement have been key to achieving outstanding outcomes.

Nuria Vazquez

Nuria is an experienced procurement leader with a passion for tackling complex infrastructure projects. Her career spans a wealth of experience in the civil engineering industry, where she has honed her skills in strategic procurement, negotiation, supply chain engagement and cost management.

Nuria's expertise extends beyond procurement, encompassing a deep understanding of engineering principles and commercial management best practices. She has played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of several high-profile infrastructure programmes in the UK, including the Silvertown Tunnel, Thames Tideway Tunnel, and Bank Station Capacity Upgrade.

Chris Ward

Chris, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and Chair of the CIPS Thames Valley Branch, is a Chartered Procurement professional with over 15 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects. He is passionate about sustainable procurement, embedding best practices to ensure responsible and impactful outcomes.

Chris has a strong background in construction procurement strategy and extensive knowledge and experience procuring and managing NEC contracts (Service and Construction). His expertise includes strategic procurement and commercial advisory within the infrastructure sector, particularly relating to asset-intensive organisations in defence, transport, environment and utilities. A dedicated mentor, Chris is also passionate about guiding procurement and commercial professionals to achieve their full potential.