He takes over as chief executive officer with plans to expand the business, doubling the number of staff from 2,000 to 4,000 globally within six years.

Bruce said the expansion would create a better balance and resilience across regions, making Buro Happold a truly global organisation. 

“It is a really exciting time for Buro Happold.  By expanding our international markets where we believe there is the best potential for us to grow, it will create significant opportunity for our fantastic people and our clients”, said Bruce.

Alongside organic growth, Buro Happold will be driving expansion through acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships in key regions across all markets. 

“Where we have plans to grow, we will only do that by acquiring businesses that share our values and vision.”

He said: “We are enhancing our consultancy capabilities in addition to our world-renowned engineering expertise for a period of rapid acceleration in our industry.

“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.”

Prior to joining Buro Happold as COO/CFO in 2018, Bruce’s background was in building businesses outside of building engineering and consultancy.

He was previously the finance chief for several Omnicom and WPP subsidiaries, including Interbrand and Landor.

Bruce said his track record in delivering growth in design-focused businesses would add a fresh dynamic to Buro Happold’s expansion plans.