The development and engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald has appointed John Pelton MBE as its global practice lead for project, programme and commercial management (PPCM).

Pelton will be responsible for the consultancy’s global project and programme delivery capability, while introducing and enhancing best practice around innovation, digitisation and manufacturing. He will also champion the growth of project and programme management across Mott MacDonald.

He brings a wealth of experience to the position after spending seven years with CH2M where he was most recently the director of their Programme Delivery Partner joint venture which supports Highways England’s major projects transformation programme. Before this he was the strategic projects director for Crossrail and managing director of CH2M’s Programme Partner Transcend JV. Before moving into consultancy, John spent the first 29 years of his career serving as a royal engineer officer and was involved in military operations in the Gulf, Balkans and Afghanistan.

Keith Howells, chairman of Mott MacDonald, said: “We’re delighted that John has joined us to take on the challenge of growing our global PPCM businesses. His knowledge and experience will enable us to deliver more of the world’s largest infrastructure projects and programmes. This appointment is the first of many we will be making to support and develop our capability and service offering in this area.”

Commenting on the role, Pelton said: “Mott MacDonald’s global reputation for engineering excellence, coupled with an innovative drive that has placed it at the forefront of digital engineering leaders, sets it up perfectly as it starts its journey to become a global player in infrastructure project and programme management. I am delighted to be able to join the team as it moves forward into this world arena.”

Pelton is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Institute of Royal Engineers. He chairs the ICE’s Municipal Expert Panel and is an active contributor to ICE Journals and other publications.