John Prytherch

What do you enjoy about working here?

I love working with talented colleagues to solve difficult engineering challenges that make a tangible difference. Many of our projects improve flood protection, secure water supplies or support renewable energy, so there’s a clear connection between the technical work we do and the benefits people experience.

Tell us about your specialism and why you chose it

I specialise in dams, reservoirs and river engineering, with a particular focus on complex water infrastructure. I’ve always had a passion for rivers and my career has given me the chance to work on the Nile, Brahmaputra, Indus and Amu Darya, among others. Every river system is different, which keeps the work challenging and rewarding.

Why did you choose to join Mott MacDonald?

My first contact with Mott MacDonald was while I was at university, when I asked for help with my dissertation. I received great support and subsequently visited the Cambridge office for further discussions, and this led to a job offer. I joined Mott MacDonald in 2000 when I had completed my civil engineering degree at the University of Birmingham – and I’ve been here ever since.

How has your career progressed since joining?

I started as a graduate engineer, working on various projects for the Environment Agency following the Easter floods in 1998. I then supervised construction of the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake in Caversham, which became home to the Great Britain rowing team. From there, Mott MacDonald gave me opportunities to take on greater responsibility, including leading design teams on irrigation projects in India and Uzbekistan. After becoming a chartered engineer in 2006, I continued to progress into more senior roles, leading teams on projects in Egypt, Pakistan, Georgia and Bangladesh. I was admitted as a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2022 and went on to lead our international development water business between 2024 and 2025. That breadth of experience now underpins my role as a technical director in our water consultancy business.

How do you contribute to Mott MacDonald making a difference to people and the planet?

I’m currently leading our team on the rehabilitation and modernisation of Sukkur Barrage in Pakistan. The barrage provides reliable irrigation water for more than 600,000 farming families across over three million hectares, making its performance critical to food production and livelihoods across the region.

Where in the world has your role taken you?

My role has taken me to around 20 countries, including extended periods living and working in India, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The most rewarding part of working internationally is bringing together the global expertise of Mott MacDonald with local experience, capability and understanding to deliver great projects. Adapting to different working environments is all part of the challenge. And the opportunity to get to know people from different cultures and understand more about their lives is a great privilege.

What are your career highlights and achievements?

A standout moment was winning International Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards for our work on the Sindh Water Sector Improvement Project in Pakistan. This was a 10-year irrigation project that restored water supplies to the farthest reaches of Pakistan’s arid Sindh province, enabling farmers to plant crops for the first time in 30 years. I was also really proud to be part of the team that won our highest internal accolade – the People & Planet Awards – in 2023 for our work on Guddu Barrage in Pakistan. It’s very satisfying to be recognised by your peers for the work that you do.

Are you involved in any additional initiatives at Mott MacDonald, aside from your day-to-day role?

Outside my project work, I’m a supervising civil engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers, mentoring trainees as they work towards chartered status. Supporting the next generation of engineers is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.