Rennie - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Rennie is a multi-disciplinary advisory firm established in 2021 by co-founders Simone Rennie and Matt Rennie. The company's core mission is to empower organizations in their transition to a net-zero, sustainable future, by redefining sustainable success and assisting clients in recalibrating, redesigning, delivering on responsibilities, reshaping, and repositioning to solve complex problems and create long-term value. Rennie focuses on strategic, regulatory, commercial, and governance advice, operating with the conviction that the transition to a lower-carbon global economy will involve non-linear policy, regulatory decisions, and stakeholder-led change, favoring prepared entities. The firm is positioned as a specialist advisor in the net-zero economy, offering deep expertise to navigate the profound changes anticipated in the coming decade.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Rennie's core objectives are to provide high-quality, insightful, and collaborative advice to help clients confidently navigate the profound changes in the coming decade as businesses re-platform to meet policy and regulatory shifts, respond to consumer expectations, and capitalize on new market opportunities. The firm aims to charter the future of client ventures by assisting them in developing and implementing strategies for sustainable success.

Specialization Areas

Rennie specializes in strategic decision-making and in-depth analysis relevant to the low carbon economy, particularly focusing on the period between 2025 and 2030, when new business and regulatory models are expected to emerge. Their key service lines include:

Strategy: Insight-driven engagements covering complex transactions, corporate strategy for businesses and government, and strategic program strategy and governance in social sustainability. This incorporates growth strategy, scenario strategy, net-zero transition strategy, and strategic portfolio reviews.

Capital Advisory: Assistance with capital allocation, transaction, and investment decisions influenced by climate change and ESG drivers, to reshape businesses for sustainable success. Services include debt and equity structuring, commercial due diligence, separation/integration/JV planning and support, and lead advisory for capital raises, sales, and acquisitions.

ESG and Sustainability: Guiding clients in defining ESG priorities, managing sustainability and climate-related risks, driving value, and enhancing transparency for a net-zero, sustainable future. This covers ESG strategy & transformation, maturity and benchmarking assessments, ESG/Net-zero transition strategies, and ESG governance, metrics, reporting, and implementation.

Policy & Reform: Advising governments, industry, and investors on policy, reform, and regulation to facilitate decisions that deliver economic growth, social progress, and sustainable impact.

Business Advisory: Supporting clients in recalibrating business models, assets, and processes to effectively operationalize strategic, capital, ESG, and reform priorities, with a focus on cost, process efficiency, and operating models. This includes business transformation, PMO establishment, business model review and innovation, business process transformation, digital/tech & data transformation, sustainable profit improvement, enterprise risk management, and people and change management.

Target Markets

Rennie's primary target markets encompass companies, investors, governments, and regulators grappling with the challenges and opportunities presented by the net-zero and sustainable future transition. The firm's market positioning strategy is to serve as a specialist advisor, offering bespoke and in-depth expertise in this niche, without the overheads and generalized approach of larger, more diversified consulting firms.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

Rennie secured financial backing from Pemba Capital Partners in 2023. Pemba partnered with Rennie due to its deep sector expertise and unique service provision, recognizing its strong position to meet market demands arising from the net-zero transition.

The estimated annual revenue for Rennie is approximately $18.3 million per year, with an estimated revenue per employee of $220,000.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Rennie's core offerings are advisory services across five key areas, not distinct branded products in the traditional sense. However, they have a notable technology platform:

Recon (Economic Modelling Capability)

Product description: A full-stack, spatially detailed economic model designed to help governments, industry, and investors navigate Australia's energy transition, regional development, and long-term infrastructure needs.

Development stage: Launched and actively in use.

Target market/condition: Governments, industries (energy, resources, infrastructure, housing), and investors in Australia.

Expected timeline: Provides 30-year projections.

Key features and benefits: Capable of producing 30-year projections of population, employment, industry output, housing demand, and macroeconomic indicators, broken down by sub-regions and over 100 industry sectors. It is purpose-built to support decisions in sectors undergoing major structural change and can provide rapid forecasts and scenario testing.

Rennie also offers a carbon footprint tool through a partnership:

Carbon Footprint Tool (via Compare Your Footprint partnership)

Product description: A tool integrated into Rennie's decarbonization offering, providing insights into carbon emissions and decarbonization pathways.

Development stage: Integrated and operational.

Target market/condition: Clients seeking to understand and manage their carbon emissions.

Key features and benefits: Provides detailed insights into carbon emissions and helps identify pathways for decarbonization.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Rennie's primary technological innovation is "Recon," their proprietary economic modelling capability.

Core platforms and technologies: Recon is described as a full-stack, spatially detailed economic model.

Proprietary developments: Recon is a bespoke development by Rennie, purpose-built to address the complex dynamics of the energy transition, regional development, and infrastructure planning.

Scientific methodologies: Recon utilizes advanced economic modeling and forecasting methodologies to produce 30-year projections with granular detail.

Technical capabilities: Its capabilities include generating projections for population, employment, industry output, housing demand, and macroeconomic indicators, segmented by sub-regions and over 100 industry sectors, along with rapid forecasting and scenario testing.

In addition to Recon, Rennie has integrated a carbon footprint tool into its offerings through a partnership with Compare Your Footprint, enhancing its decarbonization advisory capabilities.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Simone Rennie - Chief Executive Officer.

Professional background: Experienced advisor across energy, water, ports, and Government sectors, including a management position within the Australian Energy Markets Operator and prior experience as a governance and policy advisor. Began her professional services career at EY Australia in 2013 and co-founded Rennie with Matt Rennie.

Key contributions: Responsible for the firm's overall brand positioning, vision, culture, and operating model maturity through growth phases. Leads the ESG and Policy & Reform service lines.

Matt Rennie - Chief Markets and Growth Officer.

Professional background: Over 30 years of experience as a corporate adviser and leader in professional service organizations. Advised utilities, government, and investors on strategic and commercial matters related to the energy transition since 1994. Previously led EY's Power and Utilities business in Australia for 10 years and the Global Power and Utilities business within EY's Strategy and Transactions service line for 8 years. Served as Managing Director of Energy Advisory Services, a firm acquired by EY.

Notable achievements: Recognized as one of the most influential consultants in Australia's consulting industry by the Australian Financial Review in 2021.

Key contributions: Based in Brisbane, responsible for market and growth strategies.

Tim Eddy - Board Member.

Professional background: Former global and national Partner with EY with over 30 years of experience in professional services, having led EY's national markets and accounts function and served as EY's Global Leader of Business Enablement.

Key contributions: Provides strategic oversight and governance to the board.

Tom Mathews - Managing Director, Pemba.

Professional background: Over 20 years of experience in private equity, principal investment, investment banking, and middle-market advisory and valuations.

Key contributions: Represents Pemba Capital Partners' interests on the board.

Ian Rakich - Executive Director and Leader of the national Business Advisory service line.

Professional background: Joined Rennie in late 2022 from EY, where he spent almost nine years as a senior partner leading EY's Performance Improvement group nationally.

Key contributions: Leads the national Business Advisory service line, based in Perth.

Eamon McGinn - Leader of the Economics offering.

Key contributions: Leads the economics practice.

Arvind Sharma - ESG practice leader.

Professional background: Joined Rennie in October 2022 from ERM.

Key contributions: Leads the ESG practice.

Recent Leadership Changes

Rennie has experienced significant leadership expansion, with eight new Executive Directors in 2025 (five new hires and three promotions).

Simone Rennie formally took over as CEO in February 2025.

New Executive Directors in 2025 (Hires):

Nick Turton (Sydney): Strengthens presence in energy and utilities, expertise in due diligence, optimization, project delivery, and operational performance.

Georgine Roodenrys (Brisbane): Public policy and leadership experience in climate, decarbonization, sustainability, energy transition, nature, and the circular economy.

Lynda Osborne (Melbourne): Joined in February 2025, leads the Business Advisory team in Melbourne, focusing on business and technology-enabled transformation in energy, water, and gas sectors.

Nick Yeo: Advisor to founders, corporates, and investors, with deep sector experience in natural resources, mining services, energy, industrials, and financial services.

David Melis: Joined in early 2024, 20 years of consulting expertise in Western Australia and national energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors.

Promoted Executive Directors in 2025:

Tim Brunner: Instrumental in shaping Rennie's capital advisory and financial modelling capability in Western Australia; expertise includes pre- & post-deal support, commercial and financial advisory, and decarbonization.

Greg Ruthven: Expertise in energy markets, reform initiatives, market design, and regulation.

Julian Mitton: Joined the business advisory team in Sydney as an Executive Director in September 2024, bringing decades of advisory and leadership experience, particularly in infrastructure.

David Dickson: Joined as an Executive Director in September 2024, brings decades of sustainability advisory experience.

Alexander Stathakis: Founder of Conversio, joined as an Associate Director and senior leadership team member when Conversio was acquired in June 2023.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Rennie has demonstrated a rapid growth trajectory, expanding from a founding team to over 80 professionals in just four years. The company operates across offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, and has a medium-term goal to grow to 300 staff.

Current hiring trends show a focus on expanding their Strategy service line, with open positions for Consultants and Senior Consultants in Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. These roles are critical for structured problem-solving, high-quality research and analysis, developing insights, and presenting findings to support client engagements and business development, particularly in understanding future scenarios, assessing strategic opportunities, and identifying strategic priorities for sustainable success.

Rennie is an Approved Training Employer (ATE) with Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, highlighting its commitment to professional development. The company is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, with a target of 50% women in its senior leadership team (Associate Directors and above).

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Rennie maintains a professional and active presence on LinkedIn, which serves as a primary platform for its digital engagement.

Social media activity across platforms: LinkedIn is frequently updated with company news, leadership appointments, strategic initiatives, and industry insights, often leveraging articles from Consultancy.com.au.

Brand messaging and positioning: Their messaging is consistently focused on sustainable success, guiding organizations through the net-zero transition, and offering expert advice to a diverse client base.

Thought leadership initiatives: Rennie promotes articles and outlooks addressing economic and housing market predictions, demonstrating its engagement in thought leadership relevant to its strategic focus.

Notable campaigns or content: Their LinkedIn feed regularly highlights new hires, promotions, and strategic partnerships, showcasing their growth and expertise in the net-zero advisory space.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

In 2021, co-founder Matt Rennie was recognized as one of the most influential consultants in Australia's consulting industry by the Australian Financial Review (AFR), alongside his wife Simone Rennie. This recognition was specifically for launching Rennie Partners (now Rennie) to advise on the transition to a net-zero emissions economy, underscoring their expertise in the energy sector and the increasing demand for specialized advice in this area.

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Rennie operates within Australia's broad management consulting industry, competing with both global "Big Four" firms and specialist consultancies.

McKinsey & Company, PwC, Deloitte, EY, Boston Consulting Group, and Accenture: These global firms have significant operations in Australia and offer extensive advisory services, including sustainability and ESG. Their broad service portfolios and established brand recognition present a significant competitive presence.

Focus areas: Generalist management consulting, strategy, M&A, technology, human capital, and increasingly, climate and sustainability.

Technological capabilities: Often leverage proprietary methodologies and sometimes technology platforms, and have extensive resources for R&D.

Competitive positioning: Offer comprehensive, integrated solutions with global reach, often serving large corporates and governments.

Other firms (e.g., CGI, Kroll, Grosvenor Performance Group): These firms represent a segment of specialist and mid-tier consultancies that may also offer services overlapping with Rennie's.

Focus areas: Varies widely by firm, but can include specific sectors, operational improvements, risk management, or organizational change.

Competitive positioning: Often compete on niche expertise, client relationships, or cost-effectiveness compared to larger firms.

Rennie distinguishes itself by focusing solely on the transition to a low carbon/net-zero economy. This specialization allows it to attract clients seeking in-depth, tailored advice in this niche without the larger overheads often associated with multidisciplinary global firms. Its deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and emerging business models in the net-zero space provides a distinct competitive advantage.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The market in which Rennie operates is characterized by a profound and complex global transition to a net-zero and sustainable future. This epochal shift is driven by significant policy and regulatory changes, evolving consumer and stakeholder expectations, and the emergence of entirely new markets and economic opportunities.

Total addressable market size: Global investment required to achieve net-zero targets is substantial, indicating a vast addressable market for net-zero transition advisory services.

Growth potential: The period between 2025 and 2030 is anticipated to be particularly dynamic, with new business and regulatory models emerging, necessitating profound re-platforming of existing business models. This creates a high-growth environment for specialized advisory services.

Key market trends:

Accelerated policy and regulatory shifts: Governments globally are enacting policies to accelerate decarbonization.

Evolving consumer and investor expectations: Increasing demand for sustainable products, services, and investments.

Emergence of new market opportunities: Growth in renewable energy, green technologies, carbon markets, and sustainable finance.

Regional focus: Significant attention from governments and investors on the regional and distributional impacts of energy transitions, particularly in Australia.

Technology-backed disruptors: Growing interest from investors in technology-backed net-zero solutions.

Market challenges and opportunities:

Challenges: Navigating non-linear policy shifts, managing complex stakeholder-led change, recalibrating established business models, and securing significant investment.

Opportunities: Advising companies on growth strategies in green sectors, facilitating capital allocation for sustainable investments, supporting governments in policy design, and helping clients operationalize sustainable practices. Sectors with high potential include energy, mining, agriculture, water, and waste. Demand for robust economic modelling and strategic advice is high.

Rennie's dedicated focus on this singular transition positions it strategically to capitalize on these market dynamics, offering crucial support to entities seeking to thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

11. Strategic Partnerships

Pemba Capital Partners:

Nature of partnership: Financial backing and strategic investment.

Strategic benefits: Pemba's partnership provides Rennie with capital and strategic support to accelerate its growth ambitions, leveraging Pemba's expertise in scaling specialist firms.

Conversio (Acquisition):

Nature of partnership: Acquisition of a Brisbane-based firm specializing in greenhouse gas emissions and disclosure, in June 2023.

Strategic benefits: Bolstered Rennie's ESG practice by integrating expertise in GHG measurement, reporting, and verification, as well as strategies for carbon offset/inset and science-based target setting. Conversio's founder, Alexander Stathakis, joined Rennie as an Associate Director, enhancing the leadership team.

Compare Your Footprint:

Nature of partnership: Collaboration with a software provider.

Strategic benefits: Enabled Rennie to integrate a carbon footprint tool into its decarbonization offering, providing clients with enhanced capabilities for understanding and managing their carbon emissions and identifying decarbonization pathways.

12. Operational Insights

Current market position: Rennie is positioned as a specialist multi-disciplinary advisory firm exclusively focused on helping organizations navigate the net-zero transition, differentiating itself from larger, more generalized consulting firms.

Competitive advantages:

Deep specialization: Unique focus on the low carbon/net-zero economy provides profound expertise and tailored advice.

Agility and responsiveness: As a specialist firm, Rennie can be more agile and responsive to evolving market needs compared to larger consultancies.