|
Dr Uwe Krueger to replace Keith Clarke as head of WS Atkins plc
The Chief Executive and Director of WS Atkins plc, Keith Clarke is to step down on 31st July this year, marking the end of a successful eight years at the head of one of the world’s largest engineering and design consultancies. Clarke will pass on his role to Dr Uwe Krueger, a vastly experienced physicist who currently sits on the Board of STR Holdings, Zementis Inc, and ONTEX S.A.
Clarke is often considered responsible for the continued growth of Atkins during a painful recession that saw many of its competitors fall by the wayside. Despite a number of employee cuts, the firm sustained a healthy workload and entered prosperous business deals, including the acquisition of US consultancy PBSJ for £178m last August. Atkins is also the official engineering design services provider for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Allan Cook, Chairman at Atkins has expressed his admiration for Clarke as the news was released this morning, commenting: “Keith is retiring as Chief Executive, having steered the Group back to being a high performing business, successfully navigated a world recession and charted the course for growth. He leaves the Group with an excellent track record and a low carbon legacy.”
Preparing to take his place is Dr Uwe Krueger, who was educated at the University of Frankfurt, Columbia University, the Ecole Normale Supérieure, and Harvard, before taking leadership positions at Hochtief AG, Turner International, Texas Pacific Group, and Cleantech Switzerland. Highly experienced in heading multifaceted global organisations, Krueger has already made his mark on the commercial world, with Cook affirming: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome a businessman of Uwe’s calibre to lead the Group.”
Dr Krueger will join the Board on 14th June 2011 as Chief Executive Designate, before fully assuming the role of Chief Executive on 1st August 2011.
|
