Laurent Germain, CEO of Egis Group, is featured in an exclusive interview in Pacific Rim Construction (PRC) Magazine Issue 117, a leading publication in Asia's architecture, buildings, engineering, and construction sectors. He discusses the company’s transformative journey and its ambitious goals for global expansion, including Asia and the Greater Bay Area amid urbanisation and climate change.
As the world continues to grapple with the intertwined challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and sustainability, Egis Group stands out as a global leader in engineering and infrastructure development. Since its origins in postwar France, Egis has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a privately owned powerhouse with ambitious plans to redefine the future of sustainable infrastructure.
A Legacy of Growth and Global Expansion
"Egis’ journey is one of evolution," says Laurent Germain, Egis Group CEO who has overseen the company’s ascent over the past five years. "What began as a French leader in highway design has grown into a multifaceted, global operation spanning aviation, urban transport, and advanced building engineering."
"We are in the business of solving problems, big problems," says Laurent. His vision is for Egis to compete with elite global engineering firms, while maintaining a unique focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and social impact. The company distinguishes itself by not just designing infrastructure but also operating toll roads, airports, and metro systems worldwide, alongside expanding its capabilities in architectural services.
Under Laurent’s leadership, Egis has doubled its revenue from €1bn in 2020 to €2bn by 2024, a feat achieved through a mix of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The company transitioned from partial government ownership to private equity leadership, with French private equity firm Tikehau Capital now holding a 40% stake. This move has provided Egis with the flexibility to pursue new markets and expand its global footprint.
"Our goal is to be among the Ivy League of global engineering firms," Laurent asserts. "But it’s not just about growth; it’s about creating impact. Whether designing or operating infrastructure, we want to be a catalyst for positive social and environmental change."
This vision is evident in the company’s approach to global expansion. Egis operates toll roads, airports, and metro systems worldwide, employing a multidisciplinary team of engineers specialising in mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, and structural engineering. Their projects range from the automated metro line in Thessaloniki, Greece, to net-zero carbon buildings in urban centres.
Designing a Sustainable Future
In an era where the effects of climate change are increasingly visible, Egis has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable infrastructure. "Engineering is not just about building structures; it’s about building solutions," says Laurent.
Egis introduced a sustainability-linked loan in 2024, tying its financing to key performance indicators related to eco-design and carbon reduction. By 2030, the company aims for 100% of its projects to adhere to eco-design standards, a significant leap from the 70% achieved in 2024. These standards emphasise minimising carbon emissions, enhancing resilience to climate phenomena, and preserving biodiversity.
"We are not in the business of greenwashing," Laurent emphasises. "Sustainability is at the core of our strategy. From urban transport systems to net-zero buildings, our projects are designed to meet today’s needs without compromising future resources."
Egis has joined the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi), aligning its operations with global climate goals. By investing in energy infrastructure—including nuclear power and electricity grids—the company is contributing to the broader ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Asia: The New Frontier for Growth and Innovation
While Egis’ roots are firmly planted in Europe, its eyes are set on Asia as one of the key markets for future growth. The region’s booming population and pressing infrastructure needs present both challenges and opportunities.
"Asia is a dynamic and diverse region," Laurent notes. "Each market has its own unique requirements, and understanding these nuances is essential to our success."
Hong Kong serves as Egis’ regional headquarters, strategically located near the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and connected to other Southeast Asian markets. With over 400 employees in Hong Kong and Mainland China, Egis plans to double its regional workforce by 2028.
"The GBA is one of the world’s most dynamic conurbations," Laurent explains. "Its pipeline of infrastructure projects is impressive, and the urban planning in cities like Shenzhen is a model for balancing growth with sustainability. Hong Kong is central to our strategy due to its connectivity to the GBA and other Southeast Asian markets."
Since 2017, Egis has invested and grown in Hong Kong through mergers and acquisitions, including 10 Design, one of the top architects in the world, Inhabit, leading façade and building sustainability consultants, and Sunland (M&E), band 1 AACSB building services consultant in Hong Kong. This has bolstered the company’s capabilities in the region, enabling it to offer integrated solutions that combine architectural design with engineering expertise.
"We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building relationships," says Laurent. "Our presence in Asia is about understanding the needs of each market and delivering tailored solutions that drive growth and sustainability."
Engineering Excellence: The Heart of Egis
At the core of Egis’ success is its commitment to engineering excellence. The company’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that its projects are not only technically sound but also socially responsible. From tackling geotechnical challenges in tectonically active regions to integrating AI in project design, Egis’ engineers are at the forefront of innovation.
A significant differentiator for Egis is its ability to operate infrastructure. Unlike many of its competitors, the company doesn’t just design projects; it manages them, from toll roads and airports to metro systems. This operational expertise enhances Egis’ ability to deliver value across the entire project lifecycle.
As Egis looks to the future, its ambitions are clear: to continue its growth while championing sustainability and innovation. Laurent, who recently began his second term as CEO, is optimistic about what lies ahead.
"I believe that engineering has the power to shape the world for the better," he says. "At Egis, we are committed to being leaders not only in our field but in making a difference. Our work is about more than infrastructure; it’s about building a legacy of sustainability, resilience, and innovation."
With this vision, Egis is well-positioned to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, from urbanisation and climate change to the evolving needs of a global population. For Laurent and his team, Egis is redefining the future of infrastructure and urban living.
"Engineering is both an art and a science," Laurent remarks. "It’s about solving complex problems in ways that improve lives and protect the planet."
Published by PRC Magazine Issue 117
