James Bruce has been announced as Buro Happold’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with a strong message that the business will strengthen its global presence, and in doing so, create a better, more sustainable world.
James has announced plans to grow the business, which is active in 26 locations worldwide, doubling from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years, creating a better balance and resilience across regions.
It is a really exciting time for Buro Happold. We are continuing to expand our international markets where there is the best potential for us to grow as a business. This will create significant opportunities for both our people and our clients.
Our heritage of tackling complex engineering challenges in the built environment puts us in the perfect position to advise and design exceptional solutions for our clients, anywhere in the world. We are enhancing our consultancy capabilities in addition to our world-renowned engineering expertise for a period of rapid acceleration in our industry.
James Bruce, Chief Executive Officer, Buro Happold
“The business has delivered consistent global growth by strongly promoting a strategic focus on design, consultancy, sustainability, equity above all else, and driving best use of technology. What will not change as we move forward is any deviation from our principles of caring deeply about the legacy of our work and a collective courage and passion to create; this is what drives our culture”, continued James. “Where we have plans to grow, we will only do that by acquiring businesses that share our values and vision”.
Prior to joining Buro Happold as Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COO/CFO) in 2018, James’s background is in building businesses outside of building engineering and consultancy.
He has previously been CFO for a number of Omnicom and WPP subsidiaries, including Interbrand and Landor and believes his track record in delivering growth in design focused businesses will add a fresh dynamic to Buro Happold’s expansion plans.
Introducing our new Senior Partner, Chair of the Global Board
Buro Happold has also appointed New York based Craig Schwitter as Senior Partner, Chair of the Global Board with effect from 1 May. Craig is a champion of integrated engineering and the appropriate use of technology, which allows his projects to be flexible, efficient and engaging for users.
Craig’s portfolio of signature projects to date includes Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport, New York City’s iconic The High Line and Harvard University’s Science and Engineering Complex.
Commenting on the announcement, Craig says, “I am honored to help lead our partnership into the next phase of our practice evolution, as we stand side by side with clients facing some of the most pressing needs in the built environment, today and tomorrow”.
We stand side by side with clients facing some of the most pressing needs in the built environment, today and tomorrow.
Craig Schwitter – Senior Partner, Chair of the Global Board at Buro Happold
For further details, please visit Buro Happold.