Movers and shakers: Biggest construction and engineering appointments in May 2024

This post was originally published on this site

A round up of the biggest moves and appointments during May follows below. To feature on next month’s appointments roundup email Thomas.Johnson@emap.com.

New chief executive at High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2 Ltd)

Mark Wild has been appointed as the new chief executive of HS2 Ltd to lead the completion of the high speed railway.

As one of the most respected figures in the infrastructure industry, Wild will aim to bring almost four decades worth of experience to the role.

This includes in the successful delivery of complex railway systems – the alignment of tracks, train, power, signalling and communications – most notably as the chief executive of Crossrail.

East West Railway (EWR) Company appoints new chief executive

EWR Company has announced the appointment of David Hughes as chief executive officer, effective from 3rd June 2024.

David joins EWR from Arup where he has been major programmes director. He has a long track record in developing and delivering the biggest transport programmes in the UK, with a career that spans serving as director general responsible for rail infrastructure in the Department for Transport (DfT), programme director at Transport for the North and investment planning director at Transport for London (TfL).

Major governance shakeup at Mace

Mark Reynolds is stepping down as chief executive of Mace after more than 12 years at the helm.

From January 2025 Reynolds will become executive chairman and Jason Millett will be promoted to group chief executive.

Gareth Lewis, currently chief executvie of Mace Construct, will stand down from July after a 27-year career with the group.

In July this year, Davendra Dabasia will become chief executive of Mace Consult and Andrew Jackson will become chief executive of Mace Construct.

Keltbray gets new head of procurement

Lukasz Olszewski has joined Keltbray’s Infrastructure Services Division as its new head of procurement. He joins from Rizzani de Eccher where he was procurement manager and has previously worked at Sigma, J Murphy and Sons Ltd, Construction Marine Limited, and Vinci Construction UK.

He will collaborate closely with the Keltbray head office procurement team to develop a comprehensive operational strategy for infrastructure procurement, fleet management, and non-rail plant procurement.

Railway Industry Association (RIA) announces new chair

RIA has announced that its board has appointed Noel Travers as RIA’s new chairman. He succeeds David Tonkin, who is standing down after seven years in the post, and will start in post on 3 June, chairing his first board meeting later that month.

Matt Taylor has also joined as the new Business Engagement Manager for RIA Northern Ireland. He has particular expertise in track, rolling stock and training which will help develop and establish the RIA Northern Ireland network.

Additionally, Story Contracting chair of Story Plant Emma Porter has been appointed to the RIA board.

Mott MacDonald appoints new digital strategy lead for UKEMEA

Mott MacDonald has appointed Simon White to lead its digital strategy for the UK, Europe, Middle East and India

Working closely with UK and Europe managing director Richard Risdon and Middle East and India managing director Doug Wilson, White will provide digital leadership and build on Mott MacDonald’s existing digital capabilities.

Top (L-R): Paula Gough, David Hughes, David Lowery, Mark Wild Bottom (L-R): Mark Reynolds, Noel Travers, Simon White, Venk Nathamuni

Jacobs appoints new chief financial officer

Jacobs announced the appointment of Venk Nathamuni as the company’s new chief financial officer, effective June 3, 2024.

He will be responsible for overseeing Jacobs’ financial operations, enterprise-wide optimisation, capital allocation and investor relations activities and will play a significant leadership role in guiding the company’s financial and business strategy to support its long-term growth objectives and enhancing shareholder value.

Anglian Water gets new group chief executive officer designate

Anglian Water has announced the appointment of Mark Thurston as group chief executive officer Designate. Thurston will join the business on 1 July and will be appointed to the board of both Anglian Water and Anglian Water Group Limited on 5 August at which point he will succeed Peter Simpson as group chief executive officer.

Thurston was previously CEO of HS2 Ltd.

Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures (SRMCV) appoints land and development managing director

SRMCV recently welcomed Owain Thomas as managing director for land and development as it continues to strengthen its development offering.

Owain will have overall responsibility for the SRMCV development team as well as implementing a successful strategy to grow the SRMCV business. He will work with senior management to refresh and implement the overall development strategy for both ongoing and future projects.

Galliford Try gets new divisional managing director for infrastructure

Galliford Try has announced that it has appointed David Lowery to Galliford Try’s executive board with effect from 1 July 2024 in the newly-created position of divisional managing director for infrastructure.

Lowery, who has extensive UK and overseas experience comprising more than 24 years, will advance the group’s Sustainable Growth Strategy within Galliford Try’s environment (water) and infrastructure businesses.

Aecom appoints new global sports design director

Aecom has announced it has appointed Dan Meis as director of global sports design.

Recognised as one of the world’s leading innovators in sports and entertainment architecture, Meis brings more than 30 years of experience designing some of the most prominent stadiums, ballparks and arenas across the globe.

New UK development director for infrastructure at Buro Happold

Buro Happold announces the appointment of Paula Gough as UK development director for infrastructure.

Gough joins the company at a pivotal time and will be leading on strategic and sustainable entry into new markets.

New head of civils at Perega

Greg Schmidt is the new head of civil engineering at Perega. Specialising in mega projects, he’s worked for some of the UK’s best-known consultancies, including transport infrastructure firm RGP and residential developer Croudace Homes.

Civic Earth strengthens team with two hires

Ground engineering consultancy Civic Earth has expanded its team with the appointment of Alex Petts as senior geotechnical engineer, and Kiera I’Anson as graduate geotechnical engineer.

Petts joins from Fairhurst, where he led multiple projects including site investigations, data analysis and risk assessments, as well as the delivery of Access for All schemes for Northern Trains, Network Rail and the Department for Transport.

I’Anson also joins from Fairhurst, where she worked on a broad range of geotechnical projects, supporting the delivery of ground investigations, slope stability analysis and geo-environmental reports to support projects across the infrastructure, transport and energy sectors.

Like what you’ve read? To receive New Civil Engineer’s daily and weekly newsletters click here.