Outgoing chair retires after four decades at firm

Mott MacDonald has appointed James Harris as its new executive chair, succeeding company veteran Mike Haigh.

Haigh is retiring from his role after 42 years with the £2bn global consultancy, with Harris set to take over from the beginning of next month.

His vacant role as group managing director will be filled by Cathy Travers, who currently leads an 8,000-strong team as managing director of the firm’s UK and Europe region.

JamesHarris-CathyTravers

James Harris and Cathy Travers have been at Mott MacDonald for more than 60 years between them

Harris, who joined Mott MacDonald as a graduate in 1990, has been in the MD’s post since 2019.

Travers began her career with Husband and Company, which was bought by Mott MacDonald in 1990.

Haigh will continue working in the industry through roles such as his position as chair of the World Economic Forum Infrastructure Industries Governors Group and as a member of the FIDIC Global Leadership Forum Advisory Board.