Laing O’Rourke has appointed two new leaders to its Europe Executive Committee (EEC). Ilze Williamson has joined the business as finance director for its Europe hub, and Jean-Pierre de Villiers has been appointed as the company’s new Specialist Trading Business Group (STBG) director.

Williamson is a chartered accountant with 16 years’ experience across the UK and South Africa. She most recently held the role of chief financial officer with Scott Brownrigg, a global architectural practice.

She said: “I’m excited to join Laing O’Rourke and I am looking forward to working with its Europe Executive Committee to continue the great work they have underway, growing a record order book and building strong financial resilience into the business.

“Laing O’Rourke provides vital infrastructure and buildings for the community, and I feel a real sense of pride in being able to be a part of that.”

Jean-Pierre de Villiers first joined Laing O’Rourke in 2015 as a senior commercial manager, and he has since gone on to hold a number of senior commercial positions across the business before this appointment as STBG director – which includes Laing O’Rourke’s specialist businesses Crown House Technologies, Explore Manufacturing, Expanded, Select and Vetter UK.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed as the STBG director, having already worked for Laing O’Rourke for a number of years.

“The companies within the STBG provide an array of experience and talent in specialist areas, and I am looking forward to growing the businesses even further.”

Williamson will begin her role in July and Jean-Pierre de Villiers officially started his new role in April.

Other appointments in the infrastructure sector include: 

International construction and insurance law specialists Beale & Co has announced the appointment of David Nitek as a partner in the firm’s Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure team.

Nitek joins from international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, where he played a pivotal role advising on major infrastructure projects both in the UK and internationally.

With more than 20 years of experience, he brings extensive expertise in litigation, arbitration, adjudication and alternative forms of dispute resolution. His clients include international contractors, subcontractors and consultants operating across a variety of sectors. His practice also includes a focus on the Middle East, where he was previously based for several years.

Recognised for his expertise, Nitek is listed in Who’s Who Legal as a thought leader for Construction. He is also ranked as a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 for both Construction: Contentious and Rail, and in Chambers UK for both Construction: Contentious and Construction: International Arbitration.

Commenting on the appointment senior partner, Sheena Sood, said: “We are thrilled to welcome David to the partnership. His deep industry knowledge, strategic mindset and commercial instincts will be an asset to our clients, our people and the firm as a whole.”

Nitek added: “I am excited to join Beale & Co at such a strategically significant time. The firm’s longstanding reputation in the construction, engineering and infrastructure sector provides a fantastic opportunity to continue delivering value to clients and the wider industry.”

AECOM has announced two new appointments to its architecture and design team.

Paulo Ribeiro has been appointed head of interior design for UK and Ireland at AECOM, leading the firm’s efforts to drive growth and excellence in multidisciplinary design environments.

Ron Gibbons has also joined AECOM as project director, supporting the firm’s growth in defence infrastructure. An architect and masterplanner with more than 35 years of award-winning professional experience in the strategic planning, construction and development industries, he joins AECOM from Arcadis.

Multidisciplinary development consultancy, Pegasus Group, has announced the appointment of Tom Graham as infrastructure director based in its Solent office, the latest step forward in the group’s nationwide transport and infrastructure expansion.

Graham brings extensive experience in flood risk and drainage strategies, infrastructure and highway design, and master planning, having worked on client projects across the south coast, Home Counties and London.

This news follows the appointment of Natalie Morgan and Sean O’Malley into the Solent office, as part of Pegasus’ strategy to expand its infrastructure offer across the region. Graham is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE) and a Chartered Member of the Engineering Council.

Tom Graham said: “It’s a pleasure to join the talented team at Pegasus. There’s abundant opportunity in the South-east and Home Counties to deliver our multidisciplinary service across transport and infrastructure, and I’m excited to help further establish Pegasus as a known, trusted consultant of choice in the region.”