The start of 2025 has witnessed a flurry of strategic leadership appointments in the construction and engineering sectors, underscoring the industry’s commitment to innovation, growth, and sustainable practices. Major companies such as AtkinsRéalis, Stantec, Mott MacDonald, Ramboll, Tilbury Douglas, and numerous others have announced significant changes to bolster their executive teams. These appointments feature a mix of seasoned experts stepping into new roles and internal promotions aimed at leveraging existing talent, thereby driving the companies’ strategic objectives forward.
Key Appointments at AtkinsRéalis
Strengthening the Transportation Division
AtkinsRéalis has strategically enhanced its UK and Ireland transportation division by adding Emma Porter and Alejandro Moreno to critical positions. Emma Porter, who brings an extensive 18-year background in the industry, has been appointed as the practice director for transport advisory. In her new role, she will lead a team of consultants responsible for offering specialized transportation advice to high-profile clients such as Network Rail and National Highways. This move underscores AtkinsRéalis’ commitment to reinforcing its consulting expertise and solidifying its position as an influential player in the transportation advisory domain.
Alejandro Moreno has taken on the role of market director for rail and transit. His extensive experience at Colas Rail, where he managed various roles including managing director and innovation lead, positions him to oversee AtkinsRéalis’ rail division. Moreno’s prior successes in managing high-speed, conventional, very light rail, and metro systems align perfectly with the company’s objectives. His leadership is anticipated to drive forward AtkinsRéalis’ ambitions in transforming rail infrastructure with innovative and technologically advanced solutions.
Stantec’s Strategic Additions
Enhancing Infrastructure Business
Stantec continues to fortify its United Kingdom and Ireland Infrastructure business by making strategic appointments. Tony Cook, a professional with over 30 years of engineering and business development experience, has been named the key account director. In this capacity, Cook will focus on enhancing Stantec’s relationships with contractors, developers, and local authorities. His extensive experience and industry knowledge will be instrumental in ensuring that Stantec effectively collaborates with key stakeholders to drive forward major infrastructure projects.
In addition to Cook’s appointment, Andrew Brown has been named the national discipline director for engineering and design. Brown’s nearly 25-year career in major highways and infrastructure projects will be crucial in supporting the design and delivery of transformative highways programs for both public and private sector clients. The dual appointment of Cook and Brown signifies Stantec’s dedication to leadership in the infrastructure domain and highlights their focus on leveraging senior expertise to cultivate growth and innovation.
Leadership Enhancements at Mott MacDonald
Executive Board and North America Leadership
Mott MacDonald has made notable leadership enhancements, with Richard Risdon joining the executive board. Risdon’s distinguished tenure, including managing director roles in the UK and Europe, coupled with over 25 years of specialization in civil engineering within the water sector, brings a wealth of experience to the board. His expertise will be pivotal in steering the company’s strategic direction and ensuring sustained growth in the civil engineering sector. Risdon’s appointment reflects Mott MacDonald’s commitment to enhancing its leadership team with individuals who possess deep industry insights and a proven track record.
In North America, Alan Straus has been introduced as the East Unit general manager. Straus will focus on providing strategic leadership and realizing Mott MacDonald’s growth ambitions across the Eastern United States. His role involves overseeing regional operations and implementing strategies that align with the company’s vision for expansion and innovation. Straus’s extensive experience in the field adds a vital dimension to Mott MacDonald’s regional leadership and supports their broader goal of enhancing their market presence and influence.
Tilbury Douglas’s Strategic Director Appointment
Senior Director for Devolved Government
Jane O’Leary has been welcomed as the senior director for devolved government at Tilbury Douglas. With over two decades of experience in devolved and local government, including prominent roles within the Vale of Glamorgan Council and NHS Building for Wales, O’Leary is poised to make a substantial impact. Her new role will see her contributing significantly to Tilbury Douglas’s National and Strategic Accounts team, bringing her deep understanding of government operations and strategic planning into play.
O’Leary’s appointment underscores Tilbury Douglas’s commitment to strengthening their leadership capacity in areas crucial to public sector engagement and strategic project delivery. Her experience and insight will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of governmental projects and ensuring that Tilbury Douglas remains a trusted partner in the development and execution of significant public sector initiatives.
Ramboll’s New Market Director
Driving Sustainable Transport Initiatives
Ramboll has announced the appointment of Ann Gordon as the market director for transportation in the UK and Ireland. Gordon, who has been with the company for 20 years and has extensive experience working on high-profile projects like HS2 and Digital Rail, is set to lead Ramboll’s sustainable transport initiatives. Her role will involve acting as a trusted advisor to clients aiming for sustainable change and driving forward projects that align with Ramboll’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in transportation.
This strategic appointment highlights Ramboll’s dedication to promoting sustainable practices within the transportation sector. Gordon’s vast knowledge and expertise in project management and sustainable transport solutions will be critical as she leads initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability. This move not only elevates Ramboll’s leadership capabilities but also reinforces their reputation as a leader in sustainable transport solutions.
Costain’s Engineering Services Leadership
General Manager of Engineering Services
Eva Soto Pérez has joined Costain as the general manager of engineering services. Pérez’s impressive resume includes senior roles at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, Aecom, Laing O’Rourke, WSP, and FCC Construction. Her extensive experience and profound understanding of engineering design delivery are expected to drive growth and enhance the service capabilities at Costain.
Pérez’s appointment reflects Costain’s strategic intent to bolster its leadership in engineering services. Her role will see her focus on expanding the company’s engineering design competencies, overseeing project delivery, and spearheading initiatives aimed at driving innovation and growth. Pérez’s wealth of experience and leadership acumen are anticipated to significantly contribute to achieving Costain’s strategic objectives.
ABP’s Humber Region Head of Engineering
Head of Engineering and Asset Management
Associated British Ports (ABP) has named Brad Crumbleholme as the head of engineering and asset management for the Humber region. Crumbleholme, who has been supporting the Humber team on an interim basis, will now oversee engineering and asset management across the region. His role also extends to overseeing operations in Wales and Short Sea Ports, reflecting ABP’s confidence in his leadership abilities and technical expertise.
Crumbleholme’s appointment highlights ABP’s focus on strengthening its regional leadership and enhancing its engineering and asset management capabilities. His role is critical in ensuring that ABP maintains its infrastructure to the highest standards and continues to deliver exceptional service across its ports. As head of engineering and asset management, Crumbleholme will play a key role in driving efficiency, innovation, and operational excellence within the company.
Network Rail’s New Leadership Roles
Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director
Network Rail has introduced Dave Hooper as the new managing director for the Southern region. Hooper, currently a director at Siemens Mobility, brings substantial leadership experience in the rail sector. His appointment signifies Network Rail’s dedication to enhancing its leadership team with individuals who possess extensive industry knowledge and a proven track record of success. Hooper’s role will involve overseeing the Southern region’s operations and ensuring the delivery of strategic objectives.
In addition, Jamie Burles has been appointed as Network Rail’s first deputy managing director for the Eastern region. Burles will work alongside Jake Kelly, the current regional managing director, focusing on strategic leadership across major routes. These leadership changes reflect Network Rail’s commitment to strengthening regional management and driving forward their strategic goals. The combined expertise of Hooper and Burles is expected to contribute significantly to Network Rail’s operational success and long-term development.
Hydropower Leader Joins Great British Energy
Integration of Hydropower into Clean Energy Agenda
Kate Gilmartin, the CEO of the British Hydropower Association (BHA), has been appointed to the startup board of Great British Energy. Gilmartin’s role will involve integrating hydropower into the government’s clean energy agenda while continuing her leadership at BHA. Her appointment reflects the growing importance of renewable energy sources and the government’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Gilmartin’s extensive experience in the hydropower sector positions her to effectively advocate for and implement hydropower initiatives within Great British Energy’s broader clean energy strategy. Her insights and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in advancing the use of hydropower and achieving the government’s renewable energy goals. Gilmartin’s dual role highlights the synergy between industry leadership and government policy, driving forward sustainable energy solutions.
VolkerLaser’s New Divisional Director
Divisional Director for Scotland and the North East
Thomas Graham has been appointed as the divisional director for Scotland and the North East at VolkerLaser. With over 15 years of industry experience in concrete repair, refurbishment, and waterproofing, Graham is set to oversee projects in these regions. His appointment underscores VolkerLaser’s commitment to enhancing their leadership team with individuals who have extensive technical expertise and a deep understanding of the industry.
Graham’s role will focus on managing and delivering projects, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency. His experience is expected to contribute significantly to VolkerLaser’s project success and client satisfaction. Graham’s leadership is anticipated to drive the company’s growth and enhance its reputation in the construction and engineering sectors.
Indigenous Affairs Leadership at Laing O’Rourke
Head of Indigenous Affairs for Australia
Mark Beetson has been named the head of Indigenous affairs for Australia at Laing O’Rourke. Beetson’s 20 years of experience in the construction industry, particularly focusing on Indigenous Engagement, positions him well to develop and implement the Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Indigenous Affairs strategy. His role will involve leading initiatives that create opportunities for Indigenous peoples within the construction industry.
Beetson’s appointment reflects Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. His leadership is expected to drive forward the company’s strategic objectives related to Indigenous engagement and ensure that Laing O’Rourke continues to be a leader in promoting Indigenous participation in construction projects. Beetson’s experience and dedication to Indigenous affairs are anticipated to make a significant impact on the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
McLaren Construction’s New Commercial Director
Commercial Leadership and Expansion
Glen Harding is the new commercial director at McLaren Construction. Harding will play a crucial role in supporting the growth of the construction management and specialist projects division, focusing on large-scale real estate and public sector projects. His 38-year career, which includes roles at Sir Robert McAlpine, Galliford Try, and Skanska, brings a wealth of experience to McLaren Construction.
Harding’s expertise in commercial management will be vital in driving the company’s growth and ensuring the successful delivery of major projects. His role will involve overseeing commercial strategy, managing client relationships, and ensuring financial performance. Harding’s appointment underscores McLaren Construction’s commitment to strengthening their leadership team and enhancing their project delivery capabilities.
Robertson Construction’s Dual Appointments
Operations and Commercial Leadership
Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands has promoted Sean Woodcock to operations director and appointed Ben Brown as commercial director. Woodcock and Brown will jointly drive the company’s projects across the commercial, education, healthcare, industrial, research, and social care sectors in the region.
Woodcock’s promotion to operations director reflects his extensive experience and successful track record within the company. He will oversee operations, ensure project excellence, and drive efficiency across the company’s initiatives. Brown’s appointment as commercial director brings a wealth of commercial management expertise, enhancing the company’s strategic capabilities in managing client relationships and financial performance. Together, Woodcock and Brown’s leadership is expected to propel Robertson Construction’s growth and solidify its position in the industry.
MHB Consultants’ Leadership Transition
Transition to New Leadership Roles
MHB Consultants has undergone a leadership transition, elevating Fergus Aitchison to managing director while founder Hendrie Barbour transitions to the role of chairman. Aitchison, who has been with MHB since 2015 and held a director position since 2018, brings extensive experience from firms like Arup and Apollo. His new role will involve steering the company’s strategic direction and ensuring the successful implementation of their growth initiatives.
The firm has also promoted George Marjane, Gillian Pettigrew, and Jordan Brownlee to discipline directors. Each of these individuals brings specialized expertise in their respective fields, which will be critical in driving MHB’s projects and ensuring high standards of quality. The leadership transition at MHB Consultants reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging internal talent and ensuring sustainability in their leadership team. Aitchison, Marjane, Pettigrew, and Brownlee’s combined expertise is expected to contribute significantly to MHB’s continued success and growth.
Summary of Key Themes and Trends
As 2025 kicks off, the construction and engineering sectors are buzzing with strategic leadership changes, signaling the industry’s dedication to innovation, expansion, and sustainable practices. Major players like AtkinsRéalis, Stantec, Mott MacDonald, Ramboll, and Tilbury Douglas have unveiled significant enhancements to their executive teams. These changes involve a blend of experienced professionals taking on new responsibilities and internal promotions designed to utilize existing talent effectively.
The industry is keen on harnessing the expertise of seasoned leaders while also recognizing the potential within their own ranks. This approach aims to push forward the companies’ strategic goals and ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. The new appointments not only reflect a commitment to growth but also highlight a strong focus on sustainability, an increasingly crucial aspect of modern business practices.
By integrating fresh perspectives with well-established knowledge, these companies are positioning themselves to tackle future challenges head-on. The new leadership is expected to spearhead efforts in innovation, streamline operations, and drive sustainable initiatives that will benefit the companies and the industry as a whole.
Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the construction and engineering sectors, as these strategic appointments set the stage for a new era of development, sustainability, and success.
