Global engineering, design and sustainability consultancy Ramboll has announced the appointment of Lora Brill as head of sustainability for buildings in the UK. 

She joins Ramboll from Orchard Street Investment Management where she was head of ESG and responsible investment.

Brill has more than 20 years’ experience working in the built environment and sustainability across the UK, Europe, USA and the Middle East. 

At Orchard Street, she played an instrumental role in the firm’s net zero carbon pathway, impact fund, and responsible investment strategy.

Prior to this, she held roles at JLL Upstream Sustainability Services, The Uptime Institute and the New Atlantic Development Corporation. 

Experienced in working with a range of organisations across different disciplines, Brill has helped organisations of every size advance their sustainability journey from global corporations, FTSE250 property companies, investment management houses and government to local community groups.

At Ramboll, she will use her experience to support clients in responsibly realising their sustainability ambitions and will work with Ramboll’s multi-disciplinary teams to deliver holistic sustainability outcomes for their clients’ projects and society at large. 

Brill said: “Ramboll is a dynamic, exciting company with a well deserved reputation for excellence. 

“Their Partner for Sustainable Change strategy is an inspiring call to action, which focusses on working alongside clients to solve their most pressing and difficult sustainability challenges.

"I very much look forward to working with experts from across the business, delivering timely, reliable and creative solutions for our building clients across the UK.”

Willmott Dixon has appointed property expert Marika Lawrence as its new head of land and development for the Midlands. 

Lawrence will work with Willmott Dixon’s national Development Solutions team, supporting customers in designing, planning, funding and unlocking and delivering development-led schemes across the region. 

With more than 15 years’ experience in the property sector, and as a qualified chartered planning and development surveyor, she will be responsible for identifying and overseeing some of the region’s projects and helping customers to benefit from Willmott Dixon’s combined construction and development solutions expertise. 

She said: “I’m incredibly passionate about working in this industry; the decisions we make have the power to impact on people and their lives for generations to come. 

“As a Midlands native, I am particularly eager to play a part in building and shaping the future of this area and helping customers to overcome the unique challenges faced by the region. 

“I look forward to building on existing relationships and creating new ones within the region.

"Understanding what customers and stakeholders need and helping to execute a plan is an aspect of this role that is deeply fulfilling, whether it's delivering strategic approaches to environmental and social value goals or navigating the ever-growing demands of regeneration within towns and cities.”

In her previous role at a developer, Lawrence was responsible for identifying land acquisition opportunities for developments and liaising with key stakeholders in the Midlands.

Throughout her career, she has delivered successful projects across different sectors, from industrial and commercial to education and mixed-use.

Clancy has appointed Tom McGinness as an independent non-executive director to the infrastructure specialist’s board.  

McGinness will support Clancy as it pursues its long-term strategy as an independent, family-owned business.  

He brings decades of experience, having served as a senior partner for KPMG for 26 years, leading the firm’s tax advisory services for privately and family-owned businesses.  He also held the role of the firm’s global chair of family business for five years from 2018 and is now global leader of ESG for KPMG Private Enterprise.

He has worked with clients across a range of sectors and international jurisdictions, including the Wates Group, the Bestway Group and McLaren Automotive Limited.  

As part of his non-executive role, he will work with the wider board to ensure the highest standards of corporate governance and to support Clancy’s long-term strategic priorities.

McGinness said: “Over recent years, I’ve been able to get to know the Clancy business and its people through my work at KPMG and I’m delighted now to expand that role as a non-executive director.  

“Clancy is at an exciting point in its history, having transitioned smoothly and effectively to its third generation of leadership.  The nature of a family business provides a unique opportunity to take a long-term view on strategy – planning not just a few years ahead, but decades – and I’m looking forward to playing a part in continuing that success.”