Global engineering, consultancy and advisory practice Buro Happold has appointed Christian Ulrich as managing director of its expanding European business. 

Ulrich will lead the growth of Buro Happold’s geographical reach as well as its service offer and will also become a partner at Buro Happold and join its global leadership team.

His senior appointment reflects a successful career across a number of major service providers in Germany, most recently as chief operating officer of Arcadis in Central Europe and he brings a wealth of expertise and relationships, coupled with strong local knowledge and insights into European markets.

Commenting on his appointment, Ulrich said: “I’m joining at the start of a hugely promising next chapter in the Buro Happold story. I will be using all of my experience to build on the strong existing network already in Berlin, Munich, Warsaw, Copenhagen and Rotterdam. Through organic growth alongside strategic acquisitions, we will strengthen the creative and technical talent across Europe that has earned Buro Happold its world-class reputation.”

James Bruce, chief executive officer at Buro Happold, added, “Europe is central to our ambitions over the next five years, so we are overjoyed to have Christian at the helm. This is an incredibly exciting time as we evolve as a business with a far wider reach both on the continent and across the globe.” 

Ulrich’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company and forms a central part of its strategy. CEO Bruce unveiled ambitious plans in early 2021 to see the business double from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years through acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships in key regions across the globe, including Europe.