Mott MacDonald has appointed Cathy Travers as managing director of its UK and Europe regional business. Succeeding James Harris, who has become group managing director, Travers will be responsible for over 7,500 staff and revenue in excess of £824m.

Travers began her career with Husband and Company after graduating from the University of Sheffield in 1988 with a masters in civil and structural engineering. She then joined Mott MacDonald in 1990 after the acquisition of Husband and Company and has held a range of operational and business development roles, including development director for Mott MacDonald’s UK and Europe regional business. 

Most recently she was managing director of the consultancy’s buildings and infrastructure business in the UK and Europe. She was responsible for the control, direction and leadership of over 30 offices and 1,800 staff, operating in the built environment, advisory, transportation, water and environment and energy sectors. Prior to this, she was development director Mott MacDonald’s UK and Europe region, and was responsible for the overall strategic and business development of the business.  

Her career has involved the civil and structural design of major buildings and infrastructure across the UK and more recently she has provided project management, technical and procurement advice to a variety of public and private sector clients. She has played a leading role in the development of Mott MacDonald's early career professionals.

Mike Haigh, Mott MacDonald’s group chairman, said: “I’m delighted that Cathy has been appointed managing director, UK and Europe. Her experience is invaluable, and she has all the skills to do a brilliant job. Cathy has been with Mott MacDonald for nearly her whole career, leading many teams and projects, so she is exceptionally well-placed to lead our business in the UK and Europe.”

Commenting on her appointment Travers said: “I am very excited to start my new role, in which I’ll be focusing on excellence in both our delivery to clients and in how we develop and engage all of our people with a strong focus on digital and preparing us for the future.”