New major events and venues lead for UK and Europe

Ruth Shilston MBE appointed as major events and venues lead for UK and Europe

In the role, Ruth will lead Mott MacDonald’s work with venue owners, operators and event organisers. She will lead the team supporting clients across the full lifecycle of major venue development, from early strategic advice and technical design through to consultancy around sustainability, resilience, inclusivity, operational performance and long-term legacy.

Ruth brings more than two decades of experience in major venues and events across projects including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Anfield and Brentford Community Stadium.

Most recently, Ruth led the engineering input for the Women’s Super League’s new women’s football stadium design guidelines. As a passionate advocate for women’s sport, she will continue to champion this fast-evolving part of the venues landscape.

Commenting on her appointment, Ruth said: “Venues have been a passion of mine throughout my career. They act as catalysts for urban regeneration, focal points for communities and deliver fantastic and memorable experiences for people.

“Building on Mott MacDonald’s breadth of expertise and 75 plus years heritage in this market, my ambition is to work with our clients to design venues that are integrated into our cities, sustainable in their operation and capable of creating an even more outstanding experience for players, performers, spectators and communities.”

Since joining Mott MacDonald in 2023, Ruth has supported clients across public and private sectors with a focus on sustainability, resilience and climate adaptation. She is currently Mott MacDonald’s global lead for engineering sciences and a trustee and fellow of the IMechE. Ruth was awarded an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours List for services to sustainable engineering.

Mark Ewen, managing director for buildings UK and Europe, added: “Ruth steps into this role at an exciting time for our buildings business as we continue to grow in our distinct markets and support clients adapt and innovate in an ever changing landscape.

“Ruth’s appointment further strengthens Mott MacDonald’s ability to bring together deep sector knowledge, multidisciplinary expertise and a clear understanding of the role venues play in shaping successful places.”

Mott MacDonald’s venues and major events team works on projects of all scales, including modernisations and expansions as well as new builds across the sports, conferencing, entertainment and the cultural field.