Mott MacDonald executive chair Mike Haigh has been appointed the new chair of the World Economic Forum’s influential Infrastructure Industries Governors Group. 

Haigh succeeds Steve Demetriou, chair and CEO of Jacobs Engineering Group, who has performed the role for the past two years.

This community of chief executives and chairs from across the industry seeks to drive change through better public and private sector collaboration. During the pandemic the community met regularly to address the challenges resulting from Covid-19.

Commenting on his appointment, Haigh said: “I would like to thank Steve for his leadership over what has been two extraordinary years. I believe that together as a group focused on how we can support our clients and the communities they serve, we have helped navigate the recent challenges the world has faced. 

“We have many global challenges, such as climate change and energy transitioning, social impact and inclusion in response to inequality, shifting global dynamics and of course the opportunities around digitalisation and data, and I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues to build on the strong foundations we have.”

Haigh trained as a civil engineer and joined Mott MacDonald as a graduate in 1981, forging a career in which he has consistently sought out new challenges: leading major infrastructure projects, driving growth in new markets, running the group’s regional businesses, leading digital transformation, tackling climate change, and championing equality, diversity and inclusion. He has been an energetic proponent of excellence and innovation in the infrastructure industry, directed to achieving improved social outcomes – an agenda enshrined in Mott MacDonald’s purpose.