AECOM appoints new director of water

Infrastructure consultancy AECOM has appointed a new director of Water in its Environment, Water and Energy (EWE) division in Europe and India, to support AMP8. 

Will Barnett has more than 25 years of experience in the regulated water industry, previously at Jacobs across several management and leadership positions.

Most recently he served as client delivery director for water and environment – major programmes.

Before that he was technical director and Thames Water engineering lead at Arcadis.

Barnett will be joining a 70- strong team that works on a range of projects across the region for water utilities and public sector organisations.

AECOM’s EWE division was set up in 2022, and has delivered programmes, such as National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade, Southern Water’s Professional Services Framework, and the UK’s largest sustainable urban drainage scheme the Severn Trent Water’s flood resilience project in Mansfield.

AECOM has been working collaboratively with water companies to deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater services and respond to climate change challenges, as they gear up for the AMP8 regulatory period from 2025-2030.

The water team provides clients and communities with full asset lifecycle consultancy and advisory services throughout the water cycle. 

Barnett said: “As water utilities in the UK are looking to tackle the challenges of climate change, population growth and low carbon emissions to achieve their goals in the next asset management period, we are supporting with the strategic advice and technical expertise to deliver solutions which achieve the optimum outcomes for our clients, their communities and the environment. 

“From asset management and design to digital, programme, cost and commercial services, advisory and nature-based solutions, I am excited to lead the AECOM Water team as it continues to deliver its in-depth sector work, supporting water companies in realising their ambitions.”

Gert Vermeiren, managing director of environment, water and energy, Europe and India at AECOM, said: “Will’s expertise and strategic vision will be invaluable as we aim to expand our presence in the water sector, building on our strong track record shaping some of the UK’s most ambitious water projects and programmes.

“His leadership will guide teams and support clients as our portfolio of projects grows.”

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