Atkins, now a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has appointed Philip Hoare as CEO of its UK and Europe region. Hoare will lead Atkins’ 10,000-strong team and operations across multiple transport, infrastructure, building and industrial markets. 

Chartered civil engineer Hoare has led Atkins’ UK and Europe transportation division since 2014 and prior to that was managing director for the rail and highways businesses. Hoare said that he would be prioritising digital growth and improving productivity as he starts his new role.

“2018 is sure to be a year full of exciting challenges and opportunities for everyone in our industry across the UK and Europe,” said Hoare. “I’m looking forward to working with clients, colleagues and partners to deliver best-in-class engineering and infrastructure projects to unlock greater productivity and improve the lives and prosperity of our communities and businesses. 

“At such an important time for the UK in particular, it is critical that we are at the heart of the drive to improve efficiency and productivity both to support the growth in the UK economy and to boost exports. One of my priorities will be to push the digital growth agenda, ensuring we bring smart thinking and technological solutions to the table at this time when our digital and physical worlds are colliding at pace,” he said. 

Hoare is a keen advocate of apprenticeships and early STEM career opportunities, sitting on the board of the National College for High Speed Rail amongst other industry forums. He is also the senior leadership sponsor of Atkins’ LGBT network.

His appointment follows the recent announcement of Nick Roberts’ promotion to Atkins president. In the interim, divisional finance director, Jamie Sharp, will lead Atkins’ UK and Europe transportation business.