The new appointments by the Australia-based engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services company are seen as reflecting its global footprint.
Rob Knott has been named executive chairman of the GHD Group, taking over from Russell Board, who is retiring after a 40-year career with the company. Knott has been a director since 2009 and was, most recently, general manager – Asia Pacific and Services. As past chair of GHD's acquisition and integration advisory group, he has provided support to more than 20 successful mergers that have helped grow the business to AU$1.7bn (£1bn) revenue in 2016. An electrical engineer, his professional background is in integrated design and project management of major infrastructure programs.
The three new executive directors are:
- Denise Anderson – regional principal responsible for US mid-Continent, based in Houston, Texas
- Iver Skavdal – regional principal responsible for US West, including Saipan and Guam, based in Santa Rosa, California
- Sheryl Cornelius – regional people manager for Asia Pacific, based in Auckland, New Zealand
Knott said: “The new members will enhance the Board’s diversity of thought, background and experience, complementing the wide-ranging knowledge and commercial acumen of our existing directors. They bring a variety of perspectives and a breadth of thinking that will inform our long-term global outlook.”
He added: “More than one in every four of our people are the owners of GHD and, as the custodians of the company, they have a personal stake in delivering outstanding client service. Employee ownership is an enduring model, which is fundamental to our culture and values. It allows us to set long-term strategies, and attract and retain committed and high-performing people.”
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