Mott MacDonald has announced a shakeup of its senior leadership team amid the departure of its long-serving executive chair, Mike Haigh.<\/p>\n
Haigh, who has worked for the global engineering, management and development consultancy for 42 years, will be replaced by James Harris.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Cathy Travers becomes group managing director, stepping into the vacant position left by Harris.<\/p>\n
Harris takes on the role of executive chair after holding several senior leadership positions within the company. He was appointed to the executive board in 2017, and became group managing director two years later.<\/p>\n
He joined Mott MacDonald in 1990, as an engineer in its UK water business, and has been involved on major civil engineering projects in Hong Kong. Harris is also credited with shaping the group\u2019s award-winning approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on his appointment, Harris said he was \u201cproud and honoured\u201d to take over from Haigh. \u201cI am continually astounded by the sheer ingenuity of our people and their energetic dedication to achieving sustainable, resilient solutions to the challenges we face around the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited at the prospect of building on what Mike has achieved \u2013 delivering on our purpose, advancing our technical excellence, strengthening our client partnerships and supporting our people in developing rewarding careers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMike has been an integral part of Mott MacDonald for over 40 years. As executive chair, he has successfully developed our business, guiding it through the pandemic and many changes \u2013 including our digital transformation, a greater emphasis on technical and professional excellence, increased focus on social outcomes and greater profile in the industry \u2013 all ensuring the company\u2019s strong position for the future,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Like Harris, Travers has worked at Mott MacDonald for her entire 34-year career. She became an executive board director in January.<\/p>\n
In her role as managing director, Travers led a diverse team of 8,000 employees, delivering infrastructure projects across transport, water, energy and the built environment. She has also worked to promote a culture of inclusivity, championing the group\u2019s wellbeing and mental health programmes.<\/p>\n
Travers said: \u201cI am absolutely delighted and very proud to be appointed as Mott MacDonald\u2019s next managing director.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a hugely exciting time to be taking over the operational leadership of such a fantastic company, and I\u2019m very much looking forward to working with our global teams to continue to deliver great outcomes for our clients and communities, our company and our people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harris and Travers will start their new roles on 1 August.<\/p>\n