MWH Global, an engineering consultancy, announced its next phase of growth with the appointment of Garry Sanderson as managing director of its U.K. Consulting and Engineering operations. This follows the launch of a full asset lifecycle capability portfolio on the back of the Biwater Services acquisition in 2010, and significant diversification into new markets outside the Water industry.
Previously Chief of Global Strategic Planning for MWH at the company’s headquarters in Broomfield, U.S. Sanderson brings particular expertise in working with clients to identify solutions that respond to both local dynamics and global megatrends. He comments:
“Never has there been a time of more dramatic change and challenge for our clients and sectors; Water, Energy, Waste and Infrastructure. Major new Regulatory challenges underway, changing global financing behaviours, climate change, U.K. drought, energy, the maturing of renewables and fiscal austerity all present evermore demanding challenges to the successful management of U.K. infrastructure. But with this challenge comes opportunity and excitement for the industry as clients and advisors more than ever need to collaborate on new solutions which will advance ideas, technology and expertise, benefiting sectors and industries not just in the U.K. but ultimately around the globe. Ensuring we are in the best position to help our clients to not only be resilient to these challenges but to realise the opportunities ahead is fundamental to our business strategy.”
In meeting these objectives, Sanderson will be working closely with John Abraham, managing director of MWH construction arm in the U.K. MWH Treatment.
Sanderson continues: “Our joint priority in the short-term will be to exceed expectations on our commitments for our current water sector clients and for our broader infrastructure clients, including, National Grid, Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Manchester Airports Group. In parallel, we are developing solutions that make use of our full cycle capability, enabling us to respond, with great flexibility, to our individual clients’ requirements from the beginning to the end of their asset life-cycle.”
Following his education and earning his master’s degree from the Queens University of Belfast, Sanderson has worked for 20 years in the water industry. He joined MWH in 1999 as a principal engineer in Scotland and worked through the organisation, leading teams and serving clients throughout the U.K. His most recent experience as chief of global strategy saw him collaborate extensively with the different MWH businesses across the globe to deliver on the company’s strategic intent. He has been a leader in the development, execution and communication of strategies including integrated global working, knowledge management and new business models — all key components of his new U.K. role. In 2008, he was a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program and in 1999 he was the A.C.E. Young Consultant of the Year.
Commenting on Sanderson’s appointment, president and CEO of MWH, Alan Krause said: “Garry is uniquely qualified to take on this role. Each geographical region is subject to both global and highly local issues. However, by harnessing our local strengths, tapping into our worldwide network of experts, and having the right people in the right place, we can provide optimised and often lateral solutions and technical systems. With his global background, Garry is now in a prime position to ensure our U.K. clients can extract every benefit from our global knowledge transfer network, while strengthening and shaping the business to ensure both trusted delivery for our customers and a dynamic and value-driven environment for our employees.”
