The addition of non-executive directors would help to support Mott MacDonald’s long-term success and boost the stewardship of its employee ownership.

Erin Flaherty has served as an independent committee member and chair of Mott MacDonald’s shareholders’ committee and Andrew McNaughton, who is a former chief executive officer of Balfour Beatty, will deliver external perspective and oversight to the board. 

With leadership and a board-level background within the public and private sectors, Flaherty has served in a key position in some of Australia’s key transport projects. 

At present, Flaherty serves as chair of the Australian government’s National Intermodal Corporation and is a non-executive director of Inland Rail Pty Ltd.

Previously, Flaherty was executive director at Infrastructure NSW, a member of the advisory board for Sydney Metro and deputy chief executive officer and commercial manager at Reliance Rail.

McNaughton has delivered complex infrastructure projects in the UK and internationally, such as High Speed One, the London 2012 Olympics and Heathrow Terminal 5.

McNaughton is a non-executive director for Thames Water, British Steel, Speedy Hire and Sheffield Forgemasters.

Previously, he was an executive board director of AWE Plc. McNaughton is also a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and is the vice president of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

James Harris, chair and chief executive of Mott MacDonald, said: “Both Erin and Andrew have a wealth of experience in leadership and delivery roles across our industry. 

“The independent oversight and scrutiny they bring to our business will help us deliver long-term success and enhance the stewardship of our employee ownership.”

The appointments come after the expansion of Mott MacDonald’s board earlier in 2026 with the appointment of three directors: Paul Bentley, director in Mott MacDonald’s contracting business; JN Bentley; Dean Radeloff, president and chief executive officer for North America; and Aimee Barwick, client director.