CANBERRA — Can for-profit development consulting entities deliver development assistance? DT Global, a new entity, is testing exactly that. With GPD Charitable Trust as the principal owner, DT Global is aiming to redirect the majority of income from services back into its non-profit arm, DT Institute, to support development initiatives — and possibly even become a donor itself.
DT Global became a new name in the development sector in July, formed through the combination of GPD Charitable Trust, Development Transformations, and the former international development arm of AECOM.
Mel Dunn had been the vice president of international development at AECOM for six years prior to this transformation, and from his base of Adelaide in Australia, is now the vice president of strategy and innovation for DT Global. In a conversation with Devex, he discusses the transformation of the business — and the importance of innovation and strategy in building its success.