Q&A: Celebrating 20 years of growth and entrepreneurship

With Anthony Phillips, our Global Head of PPP and Head of Americas, having celebrated his 20-year anniversary at John Laing this summer, we take the opportunity to reflect on his exceptional journey and lasting impact within our company. With more than two decades of experience spanning Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas, Anthony’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding John Laing’s global footprint.  

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What was it about John Laing that first attracted you to the company and how did those formative years shape your perspective on long-term investments and partnership?

In moving to John Laing from financial advisory, I was excited by the prospect of a business which specialises in complex infrastructure delivery through long-term partnerships underpinned by its ownership stake. My initial role in London, focusing on social infrastructure PPPs, was everything I’d hoped for. The close-knit team and valued partners made it an exciting environment, and early successes in the UK education and health sectors gave me a sense of what could be achieved. 

“Even 20 years ago there was a real emphasis at John Laing on long-term commitment that formatively has shaped my approach to global investments and client relationships” 

We are a long-term custodian of critical infrastructure so it’s really satisfying from an investment standpoint to see the investment case materialise. Our approach increasingly in acquisitions is that those leading the transactions continue to play an important role not only in embedding the new investments into the portfolio, but also on the long-term and ongoing enhancement and asset management of our investments.  

Since joining John Laing I have been fortunate to work across a range of sectors, asset types and regions.  Throughout my 20 year career, greenfield PPP social and transportation infrastructure continues to be a core focus. However, we have also pursued key sector themes in energy and digital infrastructure, as well as expanded our mandate to target acquisitions of portfolios and platforms. 

“Partnerships are the lifeblood of PPPs. I feel honoured to have helped shape our approaches to partnering and replicate with the same parties across regions, sharing in both wins and misses” 

Looking back over two decades, what was one of the most transformative changes you have seen at John Laing?  

“The transition to KKR’s ownership changed John Laing’s strategic ambitions and investment capabilities and this has created new opportunities for the business and its people” 

KKR’s ownership has been transformative. We now have a permanent, long-term source of capital, growing our financial power and enabling us to stay relevant, particularly in markets such as the US where projects can be enormous. The clear investment mandate has meant that we are confident in pursuing new sectors like utilities and digital, creating more opportunities for the team. The portfolio acquisition of the InfraBridge and the Irish Infrastructure Fund (“IIF”) assets in Ireland was a step change bringing in platform businesses with their own management teams and offering exciting growth prospects.  

What aspects of John Laing’s culture do you think have contributed to your success in a challenging industry? 

I started in a narrow role but quickly broadened my experience across social and transportation infrastructure in Europe and then was given the opportunity to lead the entry and expansion of the business in Australia and USA respectively.  Now, I have global responsibilities as Global Head of PPP and as a member of John Laing's Investment Committee and Senior Management Group. This career pathway for myself started with taking new opportunities and embracing change.  

Also the quality of the people. Globally, there’s a strong sense of support across regions, reinforced by a focus on culture. I’ve always worked with talented, driven, and collaborative teams, and I’ve also been lucky enough to work alongside exceptional senior management and leadership. This focus on culture is essential in an industry that requires a lot of tenacity and resilience in the face of complex situations.  

For those just beginning their careers at John Laing, what advice would you offer them to best position themselves for success in the company? 

First hone your skills. Whether this be financial analysis/modelling, debt raising, commercial structuring etc. Mastering the core competencies of Infrastructure Investment analysis and structuring will be your foundation for growth.   

Once you have this, I would offer up the following: 

Firstly, don’t be afraid to take on new challenges – we work in a very dynamic environment so there will be opportunities that present themselves to those who embrace this and are willing to try something different.  And even better if you’re the one initiating the change... 

Secondly, the importance of great team dynamics and culture.  You won’t achieve long-term growth and success unless you are part of a high performing team and in my own experience this extends to the unwavering support of those closest to you.  Having the discipline to regularly step back from the day to day to think about how you can contribute to the team is crucial.    

Lastly, invest in your network.  Notwithstanding the investment opportunities you may currently be involved with, you will find yourself continuing to partner with (or be across the table from!) many of the same people which I find very rewarding.  Cultivating, learning from and respecting your external environment is essential.