South West development consultancy appoints new chair

Bath-based Arup, the global sustainable development consultancy, has appointed Paula Walsh as the new chair for the UK, Middle East, India, and Africa (UKIMEA) region, effective from April 1, 2024.

In her role, Walsh will oversee a team of 7,000 professionals delivering advisory, planning, engineering, and design services across various markets, including energy, property, and transport.

She joined Arup in 1989 as a structural engineering graduate and has held various leadership positions within the firm, including roles in the property, science and industry group, regional commercial business leader, and regional and global property business leader.

Currently serving as the London & South-East geography leader and a UKIMEA Board member, she brings experience in design across diverse sectors.

Walsh said: “It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair in this region. I am passionate about creating teams that work together and look forward to collaborating with colleagues, clients and industry partners as we continue to drive innovative, sustainable solutions that deliver positive outcomes in the short and long term.”