Lester Kao
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Director with over 13 years of expertise in project finance and strategic consulting, specializing in target operating model design and collaborative delivery / P3 advisory. Successfully led financial and strategy consulting engagements for infrastructure programs exceeding $100 billion, and generated millions in consulting sales. Proficient in financial modeling and operating model strategy, with a strong focus on building C-suite relationships and implementing AI tools for enhanced consulting delivery.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Project Finance & Consulting
CohnReznick
Los Angeles, California
08.2023 - Current
- Directed financial, organizational operating model, and commercial advisory engagements for clients including Los Angeles World Airports, Amtrak, and the Delta Conveyance Project.
- Expertly conducted organizational risk assessments and project delivery value-for-money analyses.
- Generated $10M in direct consulting contracts since start date.
- Contributed as senior member of Project Finance and Consulting leadership team, overseeing multiple direct reports.
- Championed AI and CoPilot implementation for enhanced client deliverables.
Director, Infrastructure & Capital Advisory
KPMG LLP
Los Angeles, CA
09.2016 - 07.2023
- Directed project finance and strategy for engagements exceeding $100 billion in infrastructure. Key clients include California HSR, LA Metro, Port of Virginia, Amtrak, and the UC system.
- Led pursuit efforts resulting in over $45 million in sales.
- Advised on collaborative delivery and P3 transactions while managing finance model development.
- Managed a team of three direct reports, ensuring effective performance and growth.
Senior Associate, Strategic Consulting
WSP Group
Los Angeles, CA
09.2013 - 09.2016
- Managed strategy and management consulting projects in the infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, real estate, and energy sectors.
- SME in public sector target operating model transformation for enhanced performance.
- Served key clients including WSDOT, University of Texas, Maryland DOT, and California HSR.
Education
Masters of Public Policy - Business & Government (Public Finance Track)
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05.2011
Skills
- Business planning
- Financial modeling
- Operating model transformation
- C-suite relationships
- P3 procurement / transactions
- Project economics
- Collaborative delivery assessments
- Capital project procurement
- ESG, decarbonization
- Strategic PMO, risk assessments
- AI tools implementation
Certification
• Training the Street - Project Finance
• F1F9 Project Finance Modelling
• Palisades @Risk Assessment Training
• F1F9 Project Finance Modelling
• Palisades @Risk Assessment Training
Websites
Timeline
Director, Project Finance & Consulting
CohnReznick
08.2023 - Current
Director, Infrastructure & Capital Advisory
KPMG LLP
09.2016 - 07.2023
Senior Associate, Strategic Consulting
WSP Group
09.2013 - 09.2016
Masters of Public Policy - Business & Government (Public Finance Track)
Harvard University
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
Johns Hopkins University