Mark Symonds

PROFILE SUMMARY

With over 30 years of experience in Facilities Management in executive leadership and advisory roles, Mark has developed deep expertise in leading Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), concessions, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

His proficiency encompasses both the commercial and operational dimensions of PPPs, outsourcing, and other complex transactions across diverse sectors.

Mark has led sophisticated bids and commercial negotiations, mobilized multi-billion-rand PPP contracts, and delivered operational models that align investor returns with sustainable, long-term service delivery outcomes. He brings particular strength as a commercial and project lead for Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) models, including negotiating PPP agreements, risk allocation, and ensuring project bankability. His experience spans healthcare, education, energy, corporate real estate, and mixed-use developments.

He has successfully guided projects from bid and procurement through financial close, mobilization, and operations, forging strong partnerships with government stakeholders, sponsors, and investors to deliver sustainable, scalable solutions. Mark’s track record reflects his ability to integrate commercial, legal, and delivery frameworks into executable strategies that meet public objectives while unlocking private-sector value.

EXPERIENCE SNAPSHOT

• Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital PPP, RSA – Impilo Consortium – Facilities & Commercial Management – Transaction / Operations Advisor

• Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, RSA – Eastern Cape Government / PwC – Transaction Support & Mobilisation Advisor

• UKZN Student Accommodation PPP, RSA – Sponsor – Bid Lead / Solutions Executive

• Department of National Education PPP, RSA – Sponsor – Bid Lead / Solutions Executive

• Durban Point Waterfront Development, RSA – eThekwini Metro Council – Integrated FM & Concession Structuring Lead

• Eskom National FM Contract, RSA – Sponsor – Bid Lead / Solutions Executive (R500m+)

• Sasol Corporate Real Estate & FM Strategy, RSA – Sponsor – FM / CRE Strategy & Technical Procurement Lead

• ABSA Integrated FM PPP-Style Contract, RSA – Sponsor – Bid & Contract Restructure Lead (R1.7bn GMP, 1,000,000m²)

• Huawei South Africa FM Contract, RSA – Sponsor – Bid Lead / Commercial Negotiations & Mobilisation (Global Mobilization Award)

• EMAAR Properties FM Strategy Realignment, UAE – Advisor – Corporate Strategy & Operational Optimisation

• ADVTECH Integrated FM Contract, RSA – Sponsor – Mobilisation & Implementation Lead for an excess of 100 academic institutions, from schools to universities.