The driving force of GIIA
GIIA is the membership body for the world's leading institutional investors. On their behalf, we work with governments and other stakeholders to boost the role of private investment in providing infrastructure that improves national, regional and local economies.
Leadership Team
Jon Phillips
Chief Executive Officer
Jon was appointed CEO in June 2023 having joined GIIA in 2016 to lead on communications strategy, public affairs and membership growth as Corporate Affairs Director and Deputy CEO. Between 2005 and 2016 he was Communications Director for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, a UK government agency established to run the £3bn a year nuclear clean-up programme. Prior to that, Jon spent 12 years at airport operator BAA Heathrow, where he led the communications campaign for the £4.2bn T5 project.
Simon Montague
Director of Corporate Affairs
Prior to joining GIIA, Simon was Director of Communications at National Highways, the government company that manages England’s strategic road network. He has a breadth of international experience, having directed communications for the Foreign Office in Spain, worked for a leading Spanish communications agency, served as Director of Communications for the French-Anglo-Belgian train operator Eurostar, and been Transport Correspondent for BBC TV and Radio News. He holds a degree in civil engineering.
Christopher Frost
Chairman
Christopher was appointed Chair of GIIA in July 2017. He is a senior executive with over 27 years of international experience investing in and managing infrastructure assets and funds. Christopher was a member of the pioneering team at Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), leading the development of the specialized infrastructure funds business and MAM's Real Assets platform, focused on investments in sustainable businesses providing essential services to our communities.
Executive Team
Sophie Tambini
Executive Assistant to Chief Executive and Office Manager
Prior to GIIA, Sophie built a long-term career working with leading retailers across the globe. Having worked in London and Sydney, Sophie brings a wealth of experience across Operations, Account Management, Recruitment and Training.
Harvey Chandler
Head of Policy & Public Affairs
Harvey joined GIIA focusing on EU and international infrastructure markets. He previously worked with Headland Consultancy to support clients in the energy, financial and professional services sectors.
Harvey is also a member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs and received a distinction from QMUL for his masters in International Relations.
Nick Elliott
Policy & Public Affairs Manager
Nick has worked extensively with government clients in the UK and the DACH region, specialising in policy and organisational strategy development. Nick holds a Master's degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences majoring in Politics & Philosophy.
Vlad Benn
Policy & Research Manager
Vlad previously worked for Spencer Rose a technology recruitment consultancy operating within the finance sector. Prior, he studied Politics & International Relations at Oxford Brookes University which culminated in a dissertation looking at the impact that the Warsaw Pact had on the Soviet Union and its eventual demise.
Alessandro Pecorari
Policy & Public Affairs Manager
Alessandro has a background in human rights advocacy, having worked for an international NGO in Brussels for three years. Prior to joining GIIA, he worked with H/Advisors Cicero supporting clients in the financial services, energy, and transport sectors.
Alessandro holds a Master’s degree in Global History from The University of Edinburgh and is fluent in French and Spanish alongside his native English and Italian.
Claire McWatt
Communications Manager
Claire is originally from Canada, where she got her start in municipal politics. Working at Toronto City Hall, she led policy advocacy and Councillor communications. She brings a decade of winning political campaign experience at all three levels of Canadian government, as well as the United States.
Having lived in the UK since 2019, Claire joined GIIA following five years in corporate communications at a local authority in London where she led external communications.
Elisse Funnell
Marketing and Events Executive
With over 10 years of experience spanning London and Sydney, Elisse has gained a vast experience in managing communications and marketing engagement operations and largescale corporate events across a wide spectrum of industries.
Sophia Taylor
Membership Officer
Having gained experience in engagement at organisations such as DIT, Sophia's previous role at a global charitable membership organisation saw her lead international engagement for members across fifty countries worldwide and manage the charity's network of volunteers.