James Bruce has been announced as Buro Happold’s new chief executive officer, with a strong message that the business will strengthen its global presence and, in doing so, create a better, more sustainable world.

Bruce has announced plans to grow the business, which is active in 26 locations worldwide, doubling from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years, creating a better balance and resilience across regions, making Buro Happold a truly global organisation. 

“It is a really exciting time for Buro Happold. By expanding our international markets where we believe there is the best potential for us to grow, it will create significant opportunity for our fantastic people and our clients”, said Bruce.

Alongside organic growth, Buro Happold says it will be driving expansion through acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships in key regions across all markets. 

“Our heritage of tackling complex engineering challenges in the built environment puts us in the perfect position to advise and design exceptional solutions for our clients, anywhere in the world. We are enhancing our consultancy capabilities in addition to our world-renowned engineering expertise for a period of rapid acceleration in our industry”, said Bruce.

“The business has delivered consistent global growth by strongly promoting a strategic focus on design, consultancy, sustainability, equity above all else, and driving best use of technology. 

“What will not change as we move forward is any deviation from our principles of caring deeply about the legacy of our work and a collective courage and passion to create; this is what drives our culture. Where we have plans to grow, we will only do that by acquiring businesses that share our values and vision”. 

Prior to joining Buro Happold as COO/CFO in 2018, Bruce’s background is in building businesses outside of building engineering and consultancy. He has previously been CFO for a number of Omnicom and WPP subsidiaries, including Interbrand and Landor, and believes his track record in delivering growth in design focused businesses will add a fresh dynamic to Buro Happold’s expansion plans.  

Buro Happold has also appointed New York based Craig Schwitter as senior partner, with effect from 1 May. Schwitter’s portfolio of signature projects to date includes Singapore’s Jewel Changi, New York City’s iconic High Line and Harvard University’s Science and Engineering Complex.