Emma Wiggan promoted to Practice Lead, Communications and Engagement
RPS is pleased to announce the promotion of Emma Wiggan to Practice Lead – Communications and Engagement, recognising her long-standing contribution to the business and her deep expertise supporting major infrastructure, water, energy and transport projects.
Emma’s appointment reflects both her technical strength and her unique career journey with RPS. She first joined the business in 2009 as a graduate in the Sydney office, beginning her career delivering communications and engagement programs for water sector projects across Sydney’s growth areas.
Since then, Emma has built a career defined by strategic thinking, trusted client relationships and practical, outcomes-focused engagement. Her experience spans more than 15 years across Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales, with work supporting projects through both planning and delivery phases.
From graduate to Practice Lead
Emma’s story is closely connected to the growth of RPS in Australia. After joining as a graduate, she progressed into consultant and senior consultant roles before relocating to Melbourne in 2012, when RPS opened its first office in the city.
At the time, the Melbourne office had just five people. Today, the team has grown to close to 100, supporting clients across a wide range of sectors and services.
During those early years in Melbourne, Emma worked on the Regional Rail Link, gaining her first experience on a city-shaping rail project and helping establish the foundations for a career focused on major infrastructure and community outcomes.
Emma later left RPS to gain government-side experience with Melbourne Water before returning in 2019 as an Associate Director. Since then, she has continued to grow her career at RPS, progressing to Director and now Practice Lead.
Strengthening client outcomes through engagement
Emma is known for helping clients navigate complex stakeholder environments, identify risks and design clear, tailored engagement approaches that support better project outcomes.
Her recent work includes supporting water businesses, energy clients and major infrastructure projects across Victoria and Tasmania. She has helped clients design engagement strategies, develop stakeholder management frameworks, support pricing and customer engagement programs, and build internal engagement capability.
As Practice Lead, Emma will continue supporting clients while helping guide and develop the next generation of communications and engagement professionals at RPS.
Speaking about her promotion, Emma said:
“It’s amazing to step into this role and support the next generation of people moving through the business. I’ve had some great Practice Leads throughout my time at RPS who have supported my growth, and it’s really rewarding to now be able to return that favour.”
Emma’s promotion reflects RPS’ continued investment in its people and in the communications and engagement capability that helps clients deliver complex projects with confidence.
Through her combination of client-side experience, major project expertise and long-term connection to RPS, Emma is well placed to support teams and clients as they navigate the challenges, opportunities and community expectations that shape infrastructure delivery.
