Mott MacDonald, a leading employee-owned engineering, management and development consultancy, has appointed Professor Denise Bower and Bob Prieto as independent members of its shareholders’ committee. They join a 20-strong committee comprised of senior Mott MacDonald employee shareholders who provide oversight of, and challenge to, the executive board, as well as advising on key issues and approving significant decisions and actions. Denise and Bob will perform the role for two years.
Professor Denise Bower is the executive director of the Major Projects Association, which works to improve the initiation and delivery of major projects through the interaction of members from all sectors in sharing experience, knowledge and ideas. Based in the UK, Denise is also professor of Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds and works with colleagues, government and industry to unlock the behavioural requirements needed to bring about a step change in major project performance. Denise sits on the board of the National Skills Academy for Rail, is a member of the Infrastructure Client Group, chairs capacity building and professionalism panels, is a member of council at the Institution of Civil Engineers and a member of an all-party parliamentary group on smart cities.
Bob Prieto is based in the USA and is currently chairman and CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC. He previously served as chairman of employee-owned Parsons Brinckerhoff and was a senior vice president in Fluor’s Industrial and Infrastructure Group. Bob is active in the engineering and construction industry globally and advises the World Economic Forum’s Future of Construction Initiative. He serves as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Industry Leadership Council and has been elected as a fellow of the Construction Management Association of America. Bob is also a member of the National Academy of Construction and has published over 600 papers and presentations, including eight books on critical industry issues.
Earlier this year Mott MacDonald strengthened its governance by creating a separation between the shareholders’ committee and the Group executive board. The committee is chaired independently from the executive board and has three sub-committees dealing with:
- Nominations – approving appointments to the executive board and the committee, as well as other senior appointments and promotions.
- Remuneration and Equity – approving proposals on remuneration and shareholding.
- Audit and Risk – reviewing and challenging the risk management and control environment of the Group.
Denise will chair the company’s remuneration sub-committee and will sit on the nominations sub-committee. Bob will sit on the Mott MacDonald’s audit and risk committee.
Liz King, chair of Mott MacDonald’s shareholders’ committee, said: “Members of the shareholders’ committee are looking forward to Denise and Bob’s participation, bringing their external perspectives and constructive challenge to support and enhance the committee’s oversight of Mott MacDonald’s continuing sustainable development.”
Keith Howells, chairman of Mott MacDonald’s executive board, said: “I am delighted that Denise and Bob will be bringing their experience to Mott MacDonald as we take forward our strategies to thrive in a rapidly changing and information driven world.”