Civic+ recruits former BDP civil and structural engineering chair
Michelle McDowell has joined the Manchester-headquartered civil, structural, and transport engineering firm as a non-executive director.
Civic+ is the parent company of Civic Engineers and was launched in July of last year. Restructuring to create Civic+ allows Civic Engineers to add complementary service offerings and pursue opportunities for growth without diluting its brand and focus.
As a non-executive director, McDowell will use her 38 years of experience in construction to provide insight and advice on Civic+’s strategic direction.
McDowell is well known in the engineering world, having worked at BDP for nearly 25 years and heading up that practice’s civil and structural engineering group. She is also a former vice-president of the Institution of Civil Engineers and former chair of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering.
“I am really impressed by Civic Engineers and admire the commitment and ethos of the leadership team,” McDowell said. “I know that our shared values and insights will make a powerful combination.”
She continued: “Civic Engineers is all about its people. It is a forward-thinking company with an enviable reputation as one of the most progressive, sustainability-focussed engineering consultancies in the UK.”
McDowell also said she would continue to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in her new role.
McDowell will sit on Civic+’s board, which comprises chief executive Stephen O’Malley, chief operating officer Julian Broster, chief finance officer Simon Edward, and non-executive director Dominic Miller.
Regarding McDowell’s appointment, O’Malley said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Michelle. It’s an amazing opportunity for us to be able to apply her incredible experience and knowledge of our industry.
“Establishing Civic+ this summer has allowed us to clarify our vision for the business and where we want to see it grow,” O’Malley continued.
“We have a great confidence in our principles and our deep-rooted sustainability pedigree is now recognised and valued by a widening portion of the market and society.”
Civic Engineers has also issued promotions during the past six months. Last year, the company promoted head of communications Katrina Davis, head of people and culture Caroline Todd, technical director Andrew Ruck, and regional director Annabel Precious to directors on the company’s executive team.
Civic has more than 160 staff members. The firm is striving to address the issue of gender imbalance in engineering and has recruited an even split of female and male graduates, leaving its organisational balance as 60 male employees for every 40 female staff members.
Civic has offices in Manchester, London, Leeds, and Glasgow.
