Mott MacDonald, a leading employee-owned engineering, management, and development consulting firm, has appointed Professor Denise Bower and Bob Prieto as independent members of its shareholders’ committee. They join a 20-strong committee comprising 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. Bower and Prieto 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, Bower is also professor of Engineering Project Management at the University of Leeds, and works with colleagues, government, and industry to unlock the behavioral requirements needed to bring about a step change in major project performance. She sits on the board of the National Skills Academy for Rail and is a member of the Infrastructure Client Group, chair of the capacity-building and professionalism panels, 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 US and is currently chairman and CEO of Strategic Program Management LLC. He previously served as chairman of employee-owned Parsons Brinckerhoff and a senior vice president in Fluor’s Industrial and Infrastructure Group. Prieto 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. He is also a member of the National Academy of Construction and has published over 600 papers and presentations, and eight books on critical industry issues.

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.”