UK infra body hires project finance chief

The UK’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) has appointed Matthew Vickerstaff as its deputy chief executive and head of project finance.

Vickerstaff will take on a newly created role at the government body, which was formed this year through the merger of Infrastructure UK and the Major Projects Authority. IPA reports to the Chancellor and the Minister for the Cabinet Office and provides expertise on infrastructure financing.

In a first for the UK, Vickerstaff’s role as head of project finance will apply across all governmental departments. He will lead teams responsible for PF2 policy and implementation.

“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,” Vickerstaff said.

Since being appointed this summer, Theresa May’s new government has displayed a willingness to attract private investment into infrastructure, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding the UK’s ability to receive European Investment Bank finance after Brexit. Further infrastructure announcements are expected in two weeks when the government delivers its Autumn Statement.

Vickerstaff was most recently head of impact investment banking at UK boutique lender ClearlySo. He previously spent 14 years at Société Générale, including seven as the bank’s global head of infrastructure. He will start his role next week.