Q&A Article: Oliver and Cecilia's Boomerang Story

Can you share your journey at Macquarie?

Oliver: I originally joined Macquarie Capital in 2005 and had the opportunity to work in both London and New York. I left at the end of 2014 to work as a commercial specialist at the UK government’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority, and then in industry. I ultimately found my way back to Macquarie Capital in 2019 and am now the Global Head of Digital Infrastructure Investing in London. Our team supports the growth of companies that are facilitating the increasing data consumption of businesses and consumers, including fibre networks and data centres.

Cecilia: I joined Macquarie in 2017 as part of the Graduate Program where I initially focused on the European markets from London and worked on expansion into Latin America. I left in 2021 to join a startup fund but recently returned to Macquarie Capital’s infrastructure team.

What did you miss about Macquarie, and what motivated your return?

Oliver: After moving to a government role, I quickly missed the pace of the deal-making environment and the expectations around achievement, which, in my experience, are inherent in banking. It was this realisation that drew me back.

Cecilia: For me, it was Macquarie's unique collaborative culture and the clear ownership and responsibility that everyone in our business has over their work that stood out. Our global platform also offers unparalleled opportunities to work across different jurisdictions and sectors which allows us to leverage a broad array of insights and experiences. Macquarie's environment of continuous learning is incredibly motivating and the opportunity to partner with colleagues from various backgrounds and cultures adds a depth to our strategies, fostering an innovative approach to problem-solving.

With the experiences gained outside of Macquarie, what insights or benefits have you brought back?

Oliver: It was a great opportunity to gain deep, sector-specific experience in a non-revenue generating role. The experience enriched my understanding of the motivations of a range of stakeholders and, most importantly, gave me a different perspective on both a personal and business level.

Cecilia: Stepping away allowed me to appreciate the transformative shifts within the infrastructure sector, especially regarding the recognition as a resilient and attractive asset class. It highlighted how gradual, yet profound changes can sometimes be overlooked when you are in it day-to-day. Macquarie has been a key driver in this evolution, and I believe we are well-positioned to continue leading in solving these challenges and capitalising on the opportunities.

Since returning, what projects have you enjoyed working on, and what are you looking forward to?

Oliver: A highlight for me has been our work on Onivia, which is now a leading wholesale fibre-to-the-home business and the largest independent fibre network in Spain. It is a great example of how we can use our balance sheet to create valuable infrastructure businesses that directly impact people’s lives, in this case, by providing greater access to affordable broadband in Spain. It also enabled me to build on the experience I had gained during my time away.

Cecilia: I’ve been thrilled to jump right back into working on digital infrastructure assets within our portfolio. This sector was in its infancy when I left and observing its evolution into a significant component of our portfolio is a testament to Macquarie's agility and forward-thinking approach in tapping into new markets and opportunities. I'm excited to contribute to this dynamic sector and to explore what comes next.

What would you say to anyone who is considering rejoining Macquarie?

Oliver and Cecilia:  The breadth of Macquarie’s platform is really appealing - it creates space for growth and innovation for those considering a return. At Macquarie, we have very clear accountability and responsibility across every level. It's motivating because you can see that you matter and that you are held responsible for reaching your objectives

In our experience, the inclusive culture, opportunities for development and the chance to work on impactful projects are just a few reasons why coming back to Macquarie can be a rewarding decision.