Mike Birch, who has over 35 years of experience across both public and private businesses, and a strong track record in managing and delivering complex transport projects, has been appointed Transportation Director for Egis in the UK and Ireland.
The global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm has mad this move both to bolster its leadership team and to enhance its transport capability as it accelerates growth across the region.
Mike joins Egis from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, where he was Mass Transit Director, overseeing the development of a £3 billion programme to deliver a new tram network for the region.
His earlier career has included senior roles at leading engineering consultancies, including Jacobs and Ramboll, with experience spanning all four major transport sectors – road, rail, ports and aviation. He also held Joint Venture board-level positions on some of the UK’s most high-profile infrastructure programmes, including contracts on HS2, Crossrail and a number of major strategic highways projects.
Francois Basselot, managing director for Egis in the UK and Ireland, said: “This is a strategically important appointment for Egis as we continue to grow our transportation division in the UK and Ireland.
“Mike brings strong client side and consultancy experience, with first hand understanding of what it takes to lead complex transport programmes. His leadership will be invaluable as we bring our UK and Irish transportation capabilities closer together and support clients across an ever-changing market.”
In his new role, Mike will lead growth and delivery of Egis’ transport offering in the UK and Ireland. His initial focus will be on bringing together capabilities across the firm, strengthening relationships with clients and delivery partners and ensuring the business is well placed to respond to changing market priorities, including the growing role of locally led transport programmes.
The appointment supports Egis’s ambition to increase its overall footprint in the UK and Irish transport market, building on recent successes across light rail, heavy rail, highways and active travel. It also reflects the changing nature of the industry, with increasing emphasis on cross-sector and partnership-based delivery.