WSP have appointed Charlie Hodgson as managing director of its UK Transport & Infrastructure (T&I) business with immediate effect.

Hodgson joins from The Go-Ahead Group where he was managing director of rail development and chairman of their Nordic and German businesses. He also led the firm’s rail strategy and business development, and was responsible for overseeing Go-Ahead’s most important client, supplier and partner relationships.

He will now be leading WSP’s 2,700-person T&I business which acts as a trusted delivery partner to clients including Highways England, HS2, Welsh government and Transport Scotland, as well as a range of local authorities across the UK.

Several significant WSP specialisms sit within the T&I business including rail, highways, transportation hubs, local government and civil, bridge & ground.

Hodgson succeeds Steve Smith who retires from WSP UK after nearly six years with the business, four of which were spent as managing director of transport & infrastructure, while also chair of WSP’s UK diversity & inclusion committee.

Charlie Hodgson, UK managing director for transport & infrastructure, said: “It’s fantastic to be joining WSP and I’m excited to lead such a well-renowned transport and infrastructure business. WSP’s focus on innovative solutions, client care and sustainable design, as well as their industry-leading net zero ambitions, set them apart in the engineering consultancy sector, and I’m looking forward to working with the wealth of brilliant clients the firm advises.”

Mark Naysmith, WSP UK chief executive, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Charlie to WSP at such an important time for our business. Having previously worked in management consultancy, specialising in transport and infrastructure, he brings experience and diversity to our business, which aligns perfectly with our strategic direction.

“We pride ourselves on our strong client relationships and the quality of our designs and advice, values I know Charlie shares and will impress upon his fantastic team. I believe our clients will value Charlie’s experience and insight into the diverse transport sector, particularly given his most recent successes at one of the UK’s leading public transport companies.

“I’m grateful to Steve for his unwavering commitment and energy which have been instrumental in creating an award-winning T&I business. I thank him for his leadership and influence which has helped attract and nurture talented people and deliver fantastic projects across the UK.”

In October, WSP UK committed to halving the carbon footprint of all designs and advice provided to clients by 2030, and is on course to be a net zero business in operation by 2025.