Aurecon to expand footprint in Asia with strategic growth appointment

Hong Kong – International design, engineering and advisory company Aurecon has appointed Dr Olivier Petit as its new Managing Director, Growth and Strategy, Asia effective 12 August 2022. Olivier will be based in Hong Kong and report directly to Stephane Asselin, Chief Executive, Asia.

This senior appointment aligns with Aurecon’s overall growth strategy and complements its continued expansion across Asia. As countries navigate their economic recovery from COVID-19, many governments, especially in Asia, are turning to infrastructure investments as a catalyst, thereby fuelling the growing appetite for infrastructure in the region. Alongside this trend, Asia is home to more than half of the world’s population, which brings greater demand for urban infrastructure and sustainability solutions and thus, exciting growth opportunities for Aurecon.

Stephane said, “Asia is a key growth market for Aurecon and I am delighted to welcome Olivier to the company. His strong track record and deep industry connections will position us well to identify new markets, promising mergers and acquisitions and build win-win partnerships in Asia. This appointment reflects our ambitions to increase our investment activities and expand our footprint.”

About Dr Olivier Petit

Olivier brings over 20 years of international experience in M&As, business integration, growth strategy development and implementation, as well as operations and management. Having worked in Asia and the Middle East for the majority of his career, Olivier’s intimate understanding of local, regional and global markets will be instrumental in driving Aurecon’s growth in Asia.

In Olivier’s role, he will be responsible for advancing Aurecon’s strategic agenda and spearheading new initiatives and areas of business growth. This includes expanding into new countries, markets and business lines, as well as identifying and structuring opportunities for strategic partnerships and M&As. Given his success in developing and executing global growth strategies for large and complex organisations, as well as his experience across multiple industries, Olivier will enable Aurecon to better capture opportunities in this dynamic region.

“Asia is a thriving hub of opportunities and will likely remain the epicentre of economic activity in years to come. I am thrilled to be joining an innovative and progressive business like Aurecon at a time when Asia is undergoing an exciting phase of development. I look forward to collaborating with my diverse and talented colleagues to secure long-term value and sustainable business growth, as well as to sharpen our offering for our clients,” Olivier said.

Before joining Aurecon, Olivier was the Strategic Initiative Director, Asia Pacific at Egis. During his tenure, he led Egis’ M&A strategy to grow the company’s footprint and operations across the Asia Pacific. Olivier also expanded Egis’ regional business in the Middle East and helped to shape many iconic projects there. These include being the Lead Master Urban Planner and Acting Project Director for Qatar’s Economic Zone 3 – about 4,000ha combining residential areas, a port and industrial zones; and managing the Green Riyadh project – a 10 million tree planting and irrigation network with a budget reaching US$10 billion over 10 years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the early stages of his career, Olivier held several leadership positions at Saman Corporation in South Korea and Algeria, as well as at Danu Architects & Engineers.

Olivier holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Urban Planning and Architecture from the University of Paris 8, France, and Masters’ degrees in Urban Planning from the University of Bordeaux, France and in Political Science from the University of Bordeaux 1, France. A native French speaker, Olivier is also fluent in English and proficient in German and Korean.

Contact details

Danielle Bond

Group Director, Brand, Marketing & Communications, Aurecon

M +61 412 870 987 

About Aurecon

Aurecon is an international design, engineering and advisory company that brings ideas to life to create a better future for people and the planet. We are proud to be named Australasia’s most innovative company and most innovative professional services company by the Australian Financial Review in 2020.

Our clients’ ideas and aspirations drive all that we do. We work alongside them like no other firm to co-create clever, innovative solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges, adding value across the project lifecycle through deep technical and advisory expertise. We serve our clients across a range of markets and international locations. Hardwired in our DNA are engineering, design and the deep need to leave a legacy. We are as diverse as we are dynamic. As curious as we are clever.

Drawing on our deep pool of knowledge, we bring vital engineering experience, technical capability and design expertise to the table. Then we listen deeply and intently. We see the opportunities, possibilities and potential that others don’t. Through a range of unique creative processes and skills, we collaborate with our clients to re-imagine, shape and design a better future.

We believe humanity depends on engineering; and we recognise we have a broader stewardship role to play. A deep responsibility to hold. As we continually strive for a life in balance, Aurecon clients will be both ready for the future and engineered for life.

To learn more about what we have been up to visit our newsroom, or take a glimpse into the future on our Just Imagine blog.

Aurecon is an owner managed company. View our history