Our People

Robbie Druce – Director, US

Miami, Florida, United States

Robbie Druce is a Director at Soben, part of Accenture, with extensive experience in cost management, program management, and procurement across mission-critical capital projects. He has led cost and project management services for some of the world’s largest data center and advanced manufacturing programs, with project values ranging from $100 million to $15 billion. Robbie’s expertise covers the full project lifecycle, including capital planning, strategic procurement, estimating, contract negotiation, cost benchmarking, and project controls. Known for achieving significant client savings at times exceeding a 1:100 fee-to-savings ratio Robbie is dedicated to delivering measurable value and certainty on every program.

With a career that spans leading consultants and global clients, Robbie has built and directed cross-functional teams delivering at scale in sectors such as AI data centers, EV and battery manufacturing, high-tech facilities, and prime residential projects. At Soben, he oversees U.S. cost management teams supporting gigawatt-scale hyperscale programs, while streamlining processes and strengthening client partnerships. Based in Miami, Robbie represents the next generation of leaders driving Soben’s growth in the Americas, committed to innovation, operational excellence, and redefining how capital projects are delivered.

Michael Gaughan – Vice President, US

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Michael Gaughan is Vice President at Soben, part of Accenture, bringing over 14 years of experience in cost management, contract administration, and cost engineering across large-scale, high-profile capital projects. Based in Charlotte, he leads a U.S. team delivering cost management services for hyperscale data center developments on behalf of global clients. Michael is recognised for his expertise in cost planning, procurement strategy, tender management, contract negotiations, claims assessment, and project controls ensuring projects meet both client goals and industry standards for certainty and efficiency.

Before joining Soben, Michael built his career internationally with firms such as Linesight and PM Group, managing cost and contract strategies for multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and technology projects across the U.S. and Europe, including data centers, renewable energy facilities, and complex industrial plants. A graduate of Munster Technological University with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying, Michael combines technical precision with strong leadership, guiding teams to deliver value on every project. At Soben, part of Accenture, his focus is on scaling U.S. operations, strengthening client partnerships, and driving excellence in critical infrastructure delivery.

Robert Kim – Growth Lead, CMT / Products Group within Accenture I&CP US

Robert, formerly CEO for the Americas at Soben, now takes on the role of Growth Lead at Accenture. A Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with both an MBA and BSc, Robert combines technical expertise with strategic vision.

He has led some of Soben’s fastest-growing regions, building deep client relationships in data centers and infrastructure while driving consistent growth across North and South America. Robert’s ability to connect strategy with delivery ensures clients achieve certainty, quality, and innovation on their most complex projects.

Mark Smith – Delivery Lead, CMT / Products Group within Accenture I&CP US

With two decades of international experience, Mark has built a career delivering large-scale cost management and capital project consultancy across both the UK and the Americas.

At Soben, Mark served as Global Account Executive and was the account manager for the US team’s largest hyperscaler client, supervising projects across the USA, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil. Specialized in data centers, he has played a pivotal role in establishing Soben’s reputation as a trusted partner in mission-critical projects.

Mark is also recognised as a strong and supportive leader. From mentoring junior professionals to collaborating with senior executives, he knows how to build high-performing teams, provide guidance, and inspire confidence. A Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying, Mark now brings his expertise and leadership to Accenture as Delivery Lead, I&CP US.

Allan Tabakh – Capital Projects Director

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

With over 15 years of experience spanning engineering, construction, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, Allan Tabakh brings proven expertise in delivering complex, large-scale capital projects with certainty.

Allan specializes in program and portfolio management, project controls, and operational excellence, having led multi-million-dollar initiatives from concept through completion. His career includes senior roles at Biogen, Amgen, and global consultants, where he successfully managed budgets, optimized processes, and built high-performing teams.

A results-driven leader, Allan has delivered measurable improvements in scope, schedule, cost, and risk management, ensuring projects meet both strategic and operational goals. His experience extends across multiple methodologies and platforms from SAP and Oracle to advanced project control systems giving clients confidence that their investments are managed with precision.

At Soben, part of Accenture, Allan directs capital project delivery for the Life Sciences and Pharma sectors, helping clients navigate complexity while achieving innovation, compliance, and sustainability. Passionate about the future of project management, he champions the use of digital tools, data, and AI to transform how the industry designs, builds, and scales infrastructure.

For Allan, success means more than project completion it’s about enabling clients to achieve long-term value, resilience, and growth.

Matthew Highland – Associate Director

Seattle, Washington, United States

Matthew Highland is an Associate Director at Soben, part of Accenture, where he leads cost management and estimating services for large-scale projects across North America. With extensive expertise in project estimation, risk management, contract management, and construction management, he provides clients with comprehensive, accurate perspectives on construction costs from pre-construction through post-contract delivery. Matthew has supported a diverse portfolio of projects, including data centers, residential, commercial, mixed-use, higher education, life sciences, and civil developments. Currently, he also serves as an Account Lead for a global hyperscale client, managing a team of 10+ cost managers and estimators while ensuring client satisfaction, profitability, and quality assurance.

With certifications in ACC Design Management, ACC Takeoff, and project leadership, Matthew combines technical knowledge with strong leadership skills to drive results. His ability to align cost strategy with client objectives has made him a trusted partner in delivering value and certainty in complex, fast-moving environments. At Soben, part of Accenture, Matthew is helping shape the future of capital project delivery in the U.S., while mentoring and developing the next generation of cost management professionals.

Paul is a seasoned Chartered Quantity Surveyor with 26 years of international experience spanning Ireland, Australia, and the United States. His extensive sector expertise includes Education, Residential, Retail, Healthcare, Commercial, and Data Centers, granting him a diverse view of construction projects. Throughout his career, Paul has excelled in crucial roles involving cost management and client relations.

Sophie Smith – Vice President, Americas

Miami, Florida, United States

As Vice President of the Americas at Soben, part of Accenture, Sophie Smith leads a client-focused team delivering certainty, innovation, and value across complex capital projects. With more than 15 years of experience in estimating, cost management, and program leadership, she has supported the world’s largest hyperscale developers, guiding multi-billion-dollar data center programs from initial funding to final fit-out. Her expertise in budgeting, GMP negotiations, and cost controls ensures alignment with financial targets, delivery goals, and long-term client objectives.

Sophie’s career includes leadership roles at Linesight and Cumming Group, where she developed a reputation for driving commercial excellence, managing risk, and building high-performing teams. With a Master’s degree in Quantity Surveying and a BA in Economics, she combines technical knowledge with commercial acumen to shape strategies that align with evolving industry demands. Based in Miami, Sophie is committed to positioning the Americas as a hub of excellence, empowering teams, and helping clients invest in future-proof infrastructure that reshapes industries.

With over 16 years of dedicated experience, Brian’s expertise extends to project controls, quantity surveying and estimation. His extensive knowledge is backed by a deep understanding of industry standards. Throughout his career, Brian has completed PMI-accredited management courses and is a certified professional from leading organizations within the construction sector.