Government unveils new infrastructure finance chief

Investment banker Matthew Vickerstaff has been appointed as the new deputy chief executive officer and head of project finance at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), the government body which provides expert support for major infrastructure and government projects.

The new post reflects the importance the government places on securing private sector investment to fund the country’s infrastructure and Vickerstaff starts his role on 14 November. As well as his responsibilities in the IPA, Vickerstaff will also be the head of the project finance profession across government, the first time such a post has existed.

Commenting on Vickerstaff’s appointment, Tony Meggs, chief executive of IPA, said: “I look forward to working closely with Matthew as he brings with him a wealth of private sector expertise in the financing of major international infrastructure projects across a broad range of sectors. He will play an invaluable role in leading the project finance profession across government and demonstrating that the UK is open for business.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke said: “We will do all we can to help attract investment to ensure our infrastructure is fit for the 21st century. Matthew’s proven experience and commercial expertise will help the UK attract additional infrastructure investment by bringing the private sector on board.”

Matthew Vickerstaff said: “I am really looking forward to joining the IPA at such an exciting time for infrastructure. This government’s ambition to deliver high quality infrastructure must be matched by its ability to work with investors, project sponsors from the UK and across the world.”

Previously, Vickerstaff spent more than ten years at Societe Generale, leading teams responsible for advisory, banking, equity investment and the capital markets, with clients across multiple industries, including airports, ports, rail, roads, PPPs, utilities, renewables, energy and real estate. More recently he was head of impact investment banking at ClearlySo, an organisation that raises investment for high impact businesses and funds that support social change.