Strategic Assurance | Critical Systems | Project Governance
Independent assurance for complex projects and systems
Independent advice for organisations responsible for major infrastructure, safety-critical systems and complex operating environments.
Services
Advisory support across four connected areas
Strategic Assurance and Project Governance
Independent advice on assurance strategy, project governance structures, decision rights and executive oversight for complex programmes and operating systems.
Safety, Risk and Critical Systems
Review and development of safety, risk and assurance approaches for safety-critical systems, including the strengths and limitations of critical-risk frameworks.
Major Project and Programme Assurance
Independent review of requirements, assurance evidence, certification, testing, commissioning, operational readiness and delivery interfaces.
Regulatory and Operational Readiness
Support for organisations preparing for licensing, certification, regulatory engagement, transition into operation and long-term system performance.
Approach
Working at the intersection of project governance, technical assurance and operational performance
Clarity
Making complex obligations, risks and evidence understandable to decision-makers.
Independence
Providing candid, evidence-based advice focused on the client's long-term interests.
Practical judgement
Connecting project governance expectations with the realities of delivery and operation.
Experience
More than 30 years across safety-critical sectors
Russell McMullan has more than 30 years of experience across major transport infrastructure, rail, aviation, defence and other safety-critical sectors. He has held executive responsibility for system-wide assurance, regulatory readiness, certification, testing and operational integration on New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project.
His experience includes developing nationally adopted assurance frameworks, leading complex regulatory and cross-agency engagement, overseeing safety certification, chairing technical, assurance and project governance forums, and advising organisations on risk, safety and system performance.
View case studiesSectors
- Major infrastructure
- Rail and public transport
- Aviation
- Defence
- Government and regulatory environments
- Complex operating organisations

About
About Russell McMullan
Russell is an executive leader and independent adviser specialising in strategic assurance, safety-critical systems and project governance. His career combines technical depth, operational experience and executive accountability across major infrastructure, rail, aviation and defence.
He has led system-wide assurance and readiness functions, shaped cross-sector guidance, worked closely with regulators and licence holders, and chaired senior technical and project governance groups responsible for complex decisions.
Russell is a Member of the Institute of Directors, Engineering New Zealand, and INCOSE New Zealand.
Contact
Discuss your assurance needs
For an initial confidential discussion about an engagement, advisory role or independent review, contact Russell directly.
- Name
- Russell McMullan
- Company
- RMC Advisory Limited
- Location
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Phone
- +64 27 548 6730
- russell@rmcadvisory.co.nz