Engineering change: Pankaj Lalla on delivering bold infrastructure solutions in India

Meet Pankaj Lalla, senior vice president based in Mumbai: driving private capital projects across India with bold leadership, global expertise, and a commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Tell us about your role and where you are based

Operating out of Mumbai, I lead the pan-India private client advisory portfolio at Mott MacDonald India, with full end-to-end business responsibility – from strategic growth and client engagement to delivery excellence.

I also serve as project principal for two of the largest engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) projects that we are currently delivering. In this role, I oversee multidisciplinary teams and drive complex infrastructure outcomes.

This dual mandate reflects my ability to balance high-level advisory leadership with hands-on project execution. It enables me to deliver value across both bespoke client portfolios and large-scale engineering programs.

Why did you choose your career path?

From the outset of my career, I’ve been drawn to roles that blend strategic thinking with tangible impact, especially in the infrastructure and built environment space.

I’ve always believed that infrastructure development is about more than just physical assets; it’s about shaping communities, enabling growth and solving complex societal challenges. This belief has guided my professional journey and my choices so far.

Why Mott MacDonald?

Mott MacDonald stood out to me for its clear purpose and its commitment to delivering sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.

Our employee-owned model fosters a culture of accountability and innovation, where people are empowered to lead and make a difference. What truly resonated with me was our ability to operate at both a global and local scale.

Our approach offers a near-perfect intersection between client engagement, problem-solving and long-term value creation. It offers the potential to bringing world-class expertise while staying deeply connected to the communities we serve.

How does Mott MacDonald’s trust in its people influence your approach to your work?

Mott MacDonald’s trust in its people empowers me to lead boldly and take ownership. That confidence fuels my drive to innovate, make impactful decisions and stay deeply accountable to clients and internal stakeholders. It’s not just about delivering results – it’s about elevating how we work and grow together.

Trust is foundational, not just a tagline.

How do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

Opportunities to excel come from staying curious, being proactive and empowering my teams. Whether it's identifying new growth avenues, solving complex delivery challenges, or mentoring emerging talent, I treat every interaction as a chance to add value and push boundaries.

What does being part of a global team mean to you, and how does it influence your work?

Being part of a global team keeps me connected to diverse perspectives, deep expertise and a shared commitment to excellence. Whether I’m advising private clients across India or leading EPCM projects, I draw on global best practices while tailoring solutions to local realities.

Global collaboration sharpens my thinking, accelerates innovation and reinforces a culture of accountability. It’s not just about working across borders – it’s about building bridges that elevate every project we deliver.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald?

Be curious, be proactive and driven by purpose. Mott MacDonald values people who think beyond the brief – those who ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. Don’t wait to be told what to do – take initiative, seek out mentors and immerse yourself in the diverse expertise around you.

Most importantly, align yourself with our purpose – to use our expertise to benefit our clients and the communities they serve.

Success lies in making your team members stronger so that you are the weakest link. If you lead and participate with that mindset, you won’t just build a career – you’ll make a meaningful impact.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel empowered and supported?

Mott MacDonald creates an empowering environment by trusting its people and giving them room to lead. Our culture here encourages ownership. Whether I’m driving client strategy or managing complex EPCM projects, I’m supported to make decisions and take the initiative.

What sets us apart is our collaborative spirit. You’re never working in isolation; there’s always access to global expertise, open dialogue and leadership that listens.

That combination of autonomy and support is what fuels growth – not just for the business, but for every individual within it.