With more than three decades of experience as an engineer, Thorne has spearheaded infrastructure programmes for the British Army and Royal Air Force.

Thorne will now oversee the maintenance and development of the firm’s long-standing ties with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

Thorne’s role during his 33-year military career was holding the position of an infrastructure programme director, working behind several strategic infrastructure projects for the British Army and Royal Air Force, such as areas of the Defence Estates Optimisation Programme, the Vehicle Storage and Support Programme and the Royal Air Force’s construction at MOD Lyneham. 

Thorne most recently served as the chief of staff and head of portfolio at the Defence College of Technical Training, where he delivered the headquarters element for four technical training schools.

Ed Robinson, head of defence, UK, Europe and India, said: “The defence sector is undergoing significant investment across the UK and Europe. 

Andy’s extensive programme and project management experience means he is perfectly placed to support our clients as they translate these ambitions into deliverables, efficiently and at pace. 

Robinson added: “He has [a] proven ability of building strong relationships, which will help AECOM to support our clients as they work to strengthen defence capabilities.”

Thorne said: “The successful delivery of critical infrastructure programmes in the defence sector depends on building strong relationships and fostering genuine collaboration.” 

“A key priority, and a personal passion of mine, will be bringing together the right mix of skills to help us deliver on the UK Government’s ambitions. 

Thorne added: “I am thrilled to be joining AECOM and look forward to leveraging its breadth of global expertise and digital capabilities to deliver the very best outcomes for our clients and for the industry as a whole.”