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Sophie Underwood

PartnerBrisbane

Partner in McKinsey’s Strategy & Corporate Finance and Sustainability Practices in Australia, and head of the Brisbane office

Sophie combines strategic acumen with a pragmatic approach to solving her clients’ toughest challenges. Her work focuses on industries critical to Australia’s economy—including banking, mining, and energy—helping organizations navigate transformation, manage risk, and unlock long-term growth. She has extensive experience working with financial institutions, mining companies, governments, and other institutions across Australia, Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Her recent work includes:

  • helping major Australian and Asian banks define bold strategies for future growth, including navigating net-zero transitions and sectorwide transformations
  • working closely with a leading bank to reimagine its approach to customer segmentation, acquisition, and engagement
  • supporting a global mining company on a multiyear transformation to improve operational performance, enhance stakeholder engagement, and position itself as a leader in sustainable mining
  • leading research into the socioeconomic impact of the energy transition and what it means for industries, regions, and communities

As the head of McKinsey’s Brisbane office, Sophie is deeply invested in the economic development of Queensland, where she collaborates with businesses and public sector leaders to drive sustainable growth in the region.

Sophie’s perspective is grounded in a strong understanding of Australia’s regulatory and policy environment, shaped by her early career as an associate to the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia and a lawyer at Allens.

When she’s not consulting or mentoring colleagues, Sophie enjoys spending time outdoors with her young family at Queensland’s magnificent beaches and parks.

Published work

The net-zero transition: What it would cost, what it could bring,” McKinsey & Company, January 2022

In the battle against climate change”, McKinsey & Company, March 2022

Managing financed emissions: How banks can support the net-zero transition”, McKinsey & Company, November 2022

Past Experience

Associate to the Hon Chief Justice Kiefel AC, High Court of Australia
Lawyer, Allens

Education

Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) (Valedictorian), University of Queensland
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Queensland