Mott MacDonald has appointed Rachel Ellison to the newly created role of operations director for UK and Europe, reinforcing its leadership capability across digital construction, programme delivery, and infrastructure consultancy. The appointment supports the firm’s focus on aligned growth, operational performance, and implementation of group strategy across key European markets.
Rachel will work closely with Richard Risdon, who continues in his dual position as managing director for UK and Europe and group strategy director on the executive board. Together, they will provide coordinated regional leadership, ensuring that business performance, digital delivery models, and client outcomes remain aligned with long-term strategic objectives.
Driving sustainable growth across the UK and Europe
In her new role, Rachel will focus on profitable, sustainable growth across the UK and Europe. A core responsibility will be translating group strategy into regional action, embedding consistent operational approaches across advisory services, programme management, and technical delivery.
Rachel brings extensive experience from within Mott MacDonald. For the past five years, she has served as managing director for advisory and programme delivery across the UK and Europe, leading growth in strategic advisory, programme management, project delivery, and commercial management services. Previously, she led the water and environment business for the region, providing her with strong insight into regulated infrastructure, digital delivery, and complex capital programmes.
Commenting on her appointment, Rachel Ellison said: “As a key region for Mott MacDonald, the opportunity to develop and support its growth of our UK and European business is incredibly exciting. I’m looking forward to working closely with our operational teams, to strengthen our business, deliver our strategy, drive opportunities and champion our people.”
Senior appointments strengthen sector expertise
Rachel will be succeeded as managing director for advisory and programme delivery by Kerry Hancock, who moves from her role as regional development manager. Kerry has held leadership roles within the advisory and programme delivery business and brings broad experience across markets and service lines.
Sally Russell has also been appointed managing director for Mott MacDonald’s water and environment business, while Tim Hill transitions into a technical director role supporting the Strategic Resource Options Programme. Sally’s background includes senior leadership roles across water, health, and advisory services, including design director at Mott MacDonald Bentley.
Richard Risdon said: “I am incredibly excited to welcome Rachel, Kerry, Sally and Tim into their new roles. Their depth and breadth of experience will strengthen our leadership capacity, drive growth, focus on delivery for our clients and ensure we remain a great company to work with and for.
These leadership changes reinforce Mott MacDonald’s commitment to digital construction, resilient infrastructure delivery, and coordinated growth, strengthening capability, governance, and long-term value for clients across Europe markets.
Read next: BIM clash detection: Finding problems before they hit site – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
