22 Jun 2023

Urbis and Cistri appoint industry leading urban strategist, James Tuma, as new Managing Partner, effective 1 July 2023.

The Brisbane-based futurist and creative thinker will take on this senior shareholder position and support CEO, Ben Pollack, to realise our strategy and move Urbis and Cistri into the next phase of growth and city shaping.

Bringing a new perspective to the role, James leads Urbis’ strategic advisory arm: Future State. Future State leverages Urbis and Cistri’s evidence-based methodology with creative problem solving to tackle some of the most complex urban challenges.

We need imaginative, data driven solutions for our cities as they face the challenges that come with growing populations, the impact of technology, and the demand for sustainability.

James Tuma View Profile

James boasts 25+ years of strategy, design, and advisory experience spanning Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. He also sits on the Urbis and Cistri Board.

“We need imaginative, data driven solutions for our cities as they face the challenges that come with growing populations, the impact of technology, and the demand for sustainability. Urbis and Cistri offer a unique perspective with our fusion of creativity and evidence that is largely unmatched in the industry. I am eager to align and stretch our owner group to support CEO Ben Pollack and our executive group to lead us through these challenges.” – James Tuma, Managing Partner

Stepping into the role of Managing Partner, James is motivated to cement Urbis and Cistri as the leading voice on cities. James will cultivate an entrepreneurial culture amongst the owner group at Urbis and nurture a healthy appetite for calculated risk.

James is a respected visionary on the future of cities and the right person for Managing Partner at a time when cities are feeling the pressure of a changing world.

Benjamin Pollack View Profile

This will support the firm’s strategic direction including a new wave of innovation to the way Urbis and Cistri operate and deliver our purpose to shape cities and communities for a better future.

“This is an exciting time for Urbis and Cistri. While we thank Tim Blythe for his enormous contribution to the company and we celebrate his achievements, we also welcome the appointment of James Tuma who will provide a different lens to the leadership of our shareholders.  James is a respected visionary on the future of cities and the right person for Managing Partner at a time when cities are feeling the pressure of a changing world.” – Ben Pollack, CEO

James is keen to build on the legacy of his highly respected predecessor, Tim Blythe. Tim is an influential and experienced urban planning advisor who has been instrumental in shaping many of Sydney’s most high-profile developments at Circular Quay, Central Sydney and across New South Wales.

I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved during my term as Managing Partner for Urbis and Cistri. The growth we have seen across Australia and internationally is a testament to the spirit of our people and our ability to deliver fresh thinking and independent advice to achieve the best outcomes.

Tim Blythe View Profile

Throughout his term at Urbis, Tim has lived the Urbis and Cistri values and has been a steward for strong workplace culture and a collaborative, client centric approach.

“I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved during my term as Managing Partner for Urbis and Cistri. The growth we have seen across Australia and internationally is a testament to the spirit of our people and our ability to deliver fresh thinking and independent advice to achieve the best outcomes. I look forward to continuing my journey with Urbis and Cistri as James Tuma joins CEO, Ben Pollack at the helm.” – Tim Blythe, Managing Partner

James Tuma commences as Managing Partner from 1 July 2023. Please join us in congratulating James on his new role.

Benjamin Pollack View Profile
James Tuma View Profile
Tim Blythe View Profile