WSP international consulting director to take over as many firms look overseas for opportunities

WSP's Gavin English has been appointed chairman of the international business group at the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE).

The managing director of international management consulting at the engineering firm takes over from Geoff French, who is now ACE chairman.

English said he was “delighted” to be taking on the role at a time when many of the organisation's members were looking for overseas opportunities to bolster UK order books.

He said: “Infrastructure is the foundation as well as the key to economic development for the new growth markets and despite the economic slow down the emerging economies will continue to grow at a rate which far outstrips developed economies. It is infrastructure development that will underpin the growth.

“UK engineering businesses are well positioned to get involved and ACE's International Business Group looks forward to assisting members and advising them on the opportunities, issues and challenges they face in the international markets."

ACE chief executive Nelson Ogunshakin added: “Gavin's wide experience of the international consultancy market will be invaluable in his new role with ACE and I am very much looking forward to working with him during the months and years ahead.”