Egis, a leading global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations, and mobility services firm with operations in 100 countries, has appointed Brisbane-based Kate Drews to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Asia Pacific (APAC).
The appointment follows significant investment in the APAC region by Egis, including through its recent acquisitions of Engeny, an Australian water management, engineering and environmental consultancy, and Peracon, an Australian engineering consultancy specialising in energy transmission and distribution.
Ms Drews brings over 25 years of experience in property, energy, and infrastructure sectors to Egis, and has held senior roles in global consulting organisations. She is a respected voice in the industry and believes engineering and design is critical to solving many of the challenges of fast-growing communities.
Egis’ global CEO Laurent Germain said Ms Drews appointment would support the Group’s strategic growth in the region, with a particular focus on opportunities presented in south-east Queensland as it prepares for the 2032 Olympics.
“We see strong growth opportunities throughout Asia Pacific, particularly in markets where there are emerging infrastructure requirements,” Mr Germain said.
“As the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approach, we see opportunities in in south-east Queensland where we can apply the invaluable experience we gained through our role as the engineering consulting partner for the Paris Olympics. Kate's strategic insight and leadership will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our clients and strengthen our position in the region.”
Ms Drews said she was thrilled to join Egis and is excited about the opportunities that Australia presented, as well as those in her home of Brisbane.
“I am honoured to have joined Egis as the Chief Executive Officer of APAC,” Ms Drews said.
“I believe there’s a real opportunity for south-east Queensland, and Australia & New Zealand more broadly, to build infrastructure that delivers legacy benefits to local communities and caters to the needs of our growing population by embracing mega trends including smart mobility, digitalisation and resilient infrastructure.
“Infrastructure has a 50-to-100-year life, so we always need to be thinking about Brisbane’s needs over that timeframe and taking inspiration from other cities that have experienced similar opportunities and challenges to those we face.
“I am looking forward to the role that I can play in delivering that legacy for Queensland through my role at Egis.”