Aecom names Richard Barrett head of Canada business

Aecom, a global design and engineering consultancy, has appointed Richard Barrett as chief executive of its Canada business, effective October 1.

In his new role, Barrett will oversee strategy, day-to-day operations, and long-term growth for the Dallas-headquartered firm’s Canada operations. He succeeds Marc Devlin, who is retiring as Canada leader and will continue to serve as an advisor.

Barrett will relocate from Brisbane, having led Aecom’s Australia/New Zealand (ANZ) business for the last three years. He has nearly 35 years of industry experience, including 23 years at Aecom.

Barrett also previously served as executive GM of ANZ operations and managing director for Northern and Western Australia.

Succeeding Barrett in his most recent role as ANZ leader is Mark McManamny, who has been at Aecom for 17+ years and previously held leadership roles in the energy, transportation, and water business lines.

“As we experience a transformative period in infrastructure investment across Canada and the Australia New Zealand region, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Richard and Mark into their new regional leadership roles,” said Troy Rudd, Aecom’s chief executive officer. “Richard’s and Mark’s appointments come at a critical juncture, and they are well-positioned to drive growth and capitalize on these exciting opportunities, further solidifying our standing as an industry leader.”

Aecom has approximately 51,000 employees globally delivering advisory, planning, design and engineering, program, and construction management services for projects in transportation, buildings, water, energy, and the environment.

“I’m excited to take on the role of chief executive for AECOM in Canada,” Barrett wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “Our Canadian business is delivering many transformative projects, and I’m looking forward to joining the team next month and building on the momentum created under Marc Devlin’s leadership. A huge thanks to all of my friends and colleagues in the AECOM Australia New Zealand team for 23 fulfilling and enjoyable years. I’m very fortunate and grateful to be taking so many amazing experiences and relationships with me to Canada.

“Any tips on an ice hockey team are most welcome!” he added.