David Sharashenidze on NEOS Advisory’s growth and global impact in energy, water & utilities
In today’s complex energy, water and utilities sector, clear decision-making and tangible results are more critical than ever. That is exactly the mission of NEOS Advisory, an international management consulting firm dedicated to the sector. We spoke with managing partner David Sharashenidze about that mission, the firm’s impact around the world, and its ambitions.
Originally from Georgia, David Sharashenidze has spent the last 18 years living and working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He began his career in the energy sector, rising to the role of deputy CEO, where he led a major transformation and performance improvement agenda at a time of major industry change.
“I moved into management consulting to bring my experience to a wider range of players across the sector and apply best practices across borders,” he explains.
Around a decade ago, David co-founded NEOS Advisory, a boutique consulting firm focused on energy and utilities (including water infrastructure). Today, the firm is part of a broader group offering specialized services across these sectors, from engineering and turnaround management to operational delivery. “Together, we provide a fully integrated offering, spanning strategy, technical advisory, and deep operational execution,” he says.
From the Middle East to the world
Fast forward to today, and NEOS Advisory has grown into an award-winning consultancy with offices in the Middle East and United States, and a footprint of projects delivered in 25+ countries.
In the UAE, NEOS Advisory was involved in high profile assignments ranging from the design of utility smart grid solutions to the establishment of waste-to-energy initiatives. Another flagship project in the region saw the firm help Oman’s power sector implement a loss reduction framework that cut inefficiencies in the grid by several percentage points.
Across the Middle East and Europe, NEOS Advisory has supported numerous energy security and utility modernization initiatives, and has been actively involved at an infrastructure level too. “Rising demand, growing populations, and aging grids mean many national utilities struggle to deliver essential services. We specialize in diagnosing operational root causes and implementing best practices to enhance grid performance and energy security,” David says.
Most recently, NEOS Advisory made headlines in Pakistan, where the government appointed the firm as part of a broader consortium to assist with the privatization of three power distribution companies.
“The cumulative monetary impact of our projects runs in the billions of US dollars,” notes David, “although they typically happen behind the scenes.”
An edge in a competitive landscape
In one of the most competitive consulting landscapes, NEOS Advisory has steadily carved out a strong reputation and a clear niche. According to David, this success rests on four core pillars which already were designed at the firm’s founding.
An integrated offering
“We bring a unique combination of consulting, engineering and operational expertise,” says David. “Clients going to large engineering firms receive technical rigor but often lack strategic business insight. Conversely, traditional management consultancies provide strategy and organization but not the full operational and technical depth.”
“We bridge that gap. Our team blends strategy, organization, engineering, and technical plus operational expertise.”
Industry focus
NEOS Advisory’s exclusive focus on energy, water and utilities allows the firm to deliver specialized insights. “We live and breathe this sector,” David explains. With senior practitioners coming from industry and grounded in practical experience, NEOS Advisory is able to offer its clients with industry-specific solutions.
The boutique advantage
While a boutique setup might be seen as a disadvantage against industry giants like McKinsey or the Big Four, David says the firm has been able to turn that feat into a competitive advantage. “We can operate with greater agility and focus, while maintaining closer client relationships – something our clients consistently tell us they value.”
A hybrid model
NEOS Advisory operates with a core team in its offices and a close network of experienced independent consultants. That hybrid model translates into lower overhead and more competitive fees for its clients.
“That hybrid is the foundation of our success,” says David. “It allows us to be flexible while tapping into a solid network of experts. By combining internal expertise with external resources, we provide solutions that are both highly effective and cost-efficient.”
Results delivered
In its engagements, NEOS Advisory is confident enough in its own capabilities to work with clients under performance-based agreements (most competitors work on a fee-per-hour basis). Covering the full project lifecycle – from diagnosing operational challenges to implementing turnaround programs – the firm takes responsibility for measurable results.
“Our lowest return on investment has been $1 to $6, and our highest $1 to $400,” David notes. “We consistently deliver high, measurable ROI, which is why over 80% of our clients return to us.”
A personal passion
Having been an entrepreneur for over a decade, David says he still relishes the consulting journey – the challenges, the impact, and the diversity of his work. “I enjoy working with a wide range of clients instead of focusing on just one,” he explains. “It’s about partnering with them, understanding their challenges, and solving problems together.”
His career has taken him from his native Georgia to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a focus on infrastructure advisory, utility turnarounds, performance improvement, and managing complex organizational change.
Above all, his passion for the energy and utilities sector has been lifelong. “Even as a child, I understood that water gives life and energy powers life. Without these, the world comes to a standstill,” he says.
That means that for David, his work is more than a profession – it is a mission. Energy and water face some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from the global energy transition and security concerns to water scarcity affecting communities worldwide. “Working in this field combines an extraordinary professional challenge with a personal drive to make the world a better place,” he reflects.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, David says the partner team of NEOS Advisory is enthusiastic about the road ahead. “Growth is not our primary goal. Impact is. Expansion will follow naturally from delivering results while staying true to our heritage and go-to-market approach,” he explains.
The GCC region, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, will remain central to the firm’s strategy. “It’s a market we’re keen to grow in,” David notes. Beyond the GCC, he says promising opportunities are emerging, especially in countries like Syria and Iraq, where transformative change is on the horizon.
David also highlights the firm’s roots in Central and Eastern Europe, which is experiencing a renaissance in its energy sector. In Africa, “we’re focusing particularly on West and East African countries – we are active in Nigeria and recently landed a project in Tanzania too. We have plans to expand further in the region.”
In Asia, NEOS Advisory’s work in Pakistan and Central Asia is paving the way for an on-the-ground operation. “The region is booming, and we are already investing in establishing a local presence,” he says.
However, such extensive geographic expansion for a boutique firm requires careful organizational growth. As NEOS Advisory embarks on its next chapter, David is deliberate in preserving the firm’s core foundations, which have underpinned its success to date. “We’re looking forward to the next decade in business.”
