Laing O’Rourke is proud to celebrate a landmark achievement for Chetan Kotur, Head of Technology and Innovation, who has been formally elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng). This distinction places him among some of the world’s most accomplished engineers, researchers, and innovators, recognising his exceptional contribution to the advancement of engineering and technology.
The Fellowship is one of the highest honours in the engineering profession, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding and continuing achievements in their field. For Chetan, this recognition not only acknowledges a career dedicated to innovation and leadership but also highlights his growing influence in shaping the future of the construction industry.
Chetan’s journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Earlier in his career, he was named the Young Engineer of the Year in 2018 by the Royal Academy of Engineering, an accolade that showcased his early impact and potential. Since then, he has continued to expand the boundaries of what is possible in engineering, moving seamlessly from the automotive sector into construction, and applying his multidisciplinary expertise to deliver transformative outcomes.
In his current role at Laing O’Rourke, Chetan leads a talented team of engineers focused on developing next-generation solutions that support the modernisation and digital transformation of the construction sector. Leveraging the precision, efficiency, and innovation that he first honed in the automotive industry, he has been instrumental in driving technological change in construction—an industry that plays a critical role in shaping sustainable societies. His work spans advanced materials, digital engineering, automation, and decarbonisation strategies, each contributing to the industry’s shift towards greater efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Reflecting on the honour, Chetan Kotur FREng shared:
“Becoming a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Engineering is such a privilege and I feel so honoured to be elected. I am extremely proud to be an engineer and feel fortunate to be a part of the team at Laing O’Rourke. We really are driving positive change for a more sustainable society and improving the lives of people through innovative engineering. All the people I’ve worked with and who have helped me in my career, have enabled these opportunities for me and I’m so grateful for their support.”
His comments reflect both personal gratitude and a wider sense of responsibility to advance engineering in the service of humanity. For Chetan, engineering has always been about more than just technical problem-solving—it is about collaboration, innovation, and creating positive change.
Laing O’Rourke’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Cathal O’Rourke, expressed his pride in Chetan’s achievement:
“As an influential leader and innovator, Chetan embodies our purpose—to push the boundaries of what’s possible, in service of humanity—and I am extremely proud to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement. His knowledge, energy, and innovative mind are advancing the future of construction, and we are honoured to have him as part of our business.”
This recognition is not just a personal milestone for Chetan but also a reflection of the broader innovation agenda at Laing O’Rourke. The company has consistently invested in digital engineering, modern methods of construction, and low-carbon solutions to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. Chetan’s leadership in this area underscores the organisation’s commitment to harnessing innovation to build more sustainable and resilient communities.
The Royal Academy of Engineering, which Chetan now joins as a Fellow, represents an unrivalled community of expertise. The Academy brings together leaders from every field of engineering and technology, uniting innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, and industry experts. Fellows play a pivotal role in advancing engineering excellence, providing independent advice to government, and helping to shape policies that address both national and global challenges. The Academy also champions education, diversity, and inclusion within engineering, ensuring that the next generation of engineers are inspired and supported to achieve their full potential.
Chetan’s election to this prestigious Fellowship reinforces his standing as one of the most influential engineering leaders of his generation. It highlights not only his personal contributions but also the potential of engineering to tackle society’s biggest challenges—from decarbonisation and infrastructure resilience to technological transformation.
As the construction industry continues its journey toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and innovation, leaders like Chetan Kotur are at the forefront of driving change. His Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Engineering will provide him with a unique platform to collaborate with peers across disciplines, influence the direction of future policy, and further amplify the role of engineering in building a better world.
