AECOM Announces New Key Leadership Appointments
AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure, has announced key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its global operations and enhancing client delivery. Bane Gaiser has been appointed as the Buildings + Places Global Business Line Chief Executive, Richard Whitehead as the Europe & India Regional Chief Executive, and Sam Donelson as the U.S. East & Latin America Regional Chief Executive.
With a wealth of industry experience, these leaders, all long-serving members of AECOM, will oversee their respective business lines and regions, with a focus on driving strategic growth, ensuring operational excellence, and providing superior client service. The company sees these appointments as pivotal to capitalizing on significant opportunities in the market.
“These appointments reinforce the depth of AECOM’s leadership bench and our commitment to cultivating talent from within,” said Troy Rudd, AECOM’s chief executive officer. “Richard, Bane, and Sam bring deep technical expertise, a strong client focus, and a proven track record of success. As market trends remain favorable, we are positioned to take advantage of new opportunities while continuing to strengthen our business and deliver industry-leading solutions for our clients.”
Bane Gaiser brings nearly three decades of experience in architecture, design, and executive leadership to his new role. Having been with AECOM for over ten years, he previously managed the U.S. West Buildings + Places practice, overseeing architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and consulting strategies. His extensive experience includes large-scale program management and strategic market expansion. He now leads AECOM’s Buildings + Places business globally, focusing on delivering integrated design solutions.
Richard Whitehead, with over 10 years at AECOM, has a career spanning 30 years in infrastructure, planning, and design. Prior to his new role as Europe & India Regional Chief Executive, he served as the Buildings + Places Global Business Line Chief Executive. In that capacity, he led a global team in the delivery of sustainable planning, design, and engineering solutions. His leadership experience includes managing complex projects, ensuring technical excellence, and leading multidisciplinary teams. In his new role, Mr. Whitehead will oversee operations across the Europe and India regions, ensuring that AECOM continues to lead in those markets.
Sam Donelson brings more than 30 years of experience in infrastructure and operations. Having been with AECOM for 11 years, he most recently served as the Transportation Regional Business Line Leader for the New York Metro area. In that role, he managed highways, transit, aviation, and ports initiatives. His experience prior to AECOM includes 20 years with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, where he managed capital programs and regional mobility initiatives. As the U.S. East & Latin America Regional Chief Executive, Mr. Donelson will lead efforts to expand AECOM’s presence and impact across these key regions.
In connection with these appointments, AECOM also announced that Colin Wood, after nearly eight years with the company, will be stepping down from his role as Europe & India Regional Chief Executive. His leadership and contributions to AECOM have been greatly appreciated, and the company wishes him well in his future endeavors.
The new leadership appointments are effective immediately, and AECOM is confident that these changes will drive continued growth, operational excellence, and enhanced service delivery to clients around the world.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure leader committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm, AECOM addresses complex challenges across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. The company works with both public- and private-sector clients to create sustainable, innovative, and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle. From advisory and planning to design, engineering, and program management, AECOM is dedicated to solving its clients’ most pressing challenges. In fiscal year 2024, AECOM achieved revenue of $16.1 billion, cementing its position as a leader in the infrastructure sector.
