Sarah is a commercial advisory specialist with over 20 years’ experience, including 15 years at Deloitte and six as a Partner. In 2020, she transitioned from her Senior Partner role in Deloitte’s Commercial Advisory practice to establish her own firm, McAlisterSmiley Partners.
She works closely with C-Suite executives and Boards across financial and economic modelling, commercial advisory, business cases, feasibility studies and data visualisation. Her experience spans both government and industry, including energy, water, CSG/LNG, mining, defence, health, ports and rail. During her time at Deloitte, Sarah also acted as a global subject matter expert, supporting engagements across the UK, US, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, PNG and India, and served as Australia’s representative on Deloitte’s Global Panel of Modelling Experts.
Beyond consulting, Sarah has held several governance roles. She served as a Non-Executive Director of DVConnect, chairing its Finance and Risk Committee and providing financial and commercial oversight. She also spent four years on the Board of Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore, advising on financial aspects of capital and operational planning and participating in annual strategic reviews with Brisbane Catholic Education.
Sarah and her husband, also own White Lies Brewing Company, a micro-brewery in Brisbane’s western suburbs. Despite its size, the brewery has received significant recognition, winning multiple gold, silver and bronze medals at major Australian and international beer awards. They also own 90 acres in Stanthorpe, where they are developing a hops and finger lime farm to support their brewing and distilling ventures.
