Cathy has spent her whole working career at Mott MacDonald, having joined Husband and Company after graduating from the University of Sheffield in 1988 with a masters in civil and structural engineering. As managing director of Mott MacDonald’s UK and Europe region, she is responsible for a diverse team of 8,000 people who operate in the built environment, advisory, transportation, water, environment and energy sectors.

Prior to this, Cathy was managing director of the consultancy’s buildings and infrastructure business in the UK and Europe. She was responsible for the control, direction and leadership of over 30 offices and 1800 staff, operating in the built environment, advisory, transportation, water and environment and energy sectors. Before this, she was development director of Mott MacDonald’s UK and Europe region, and was responsible for the overall strategic and business development of the business.

Mike Haigh, Mott MacDonald executive chair, said: “I’m delighted that Cathy has been appointed to the group board – Cathy has been with Mott MacDonald for nearly her whole career, leading many teams and projects and so she is exceptionally well-placed to support the group’s future development.”

A chartered structural engineer and experienced project manager by background, Cathy has extensive experience in the co-ordination, management and technical design and supervision of many wide ranging, multidisciplinary projects.

Throughout her career at Mott MacDonald, Cathy has continually used her expertise and insight to influence change to improve the business. She is passionate about people, particularly equality and diversity, promoting a culture of inclusivity across the business, and continues to play a leading role in the development of consultancy’s early career professionals.

Commenting on her appointment Cathy said: “I am proud and feel so honoured to be appointed as a director of Mott MacDonald, a company with a purpose I truly believe in and have dedicated my whole working career to. I can’t wait to bring my skills and passions to work with the board, driving the business forward in areas such as technical excellence, digital and social outcomes.”