The move follows WSP’s acquisition of Parsons Brinckerhoff last year and sees former UK managing director of WSP Mark Naysmith become UK chief operating officer (COO) for the combined company.

Naysmith has worked at WSP for 26 years and has also been named managing director for UK property, transportation and infrastructure.

He said: “We have a very exciting future ahead, with huge potential for growth in our markets and services as well as for our people – we are already seeing some of the benefits of our new status in the industry.

“It is a truly complementary merger of minds and talent, at a very busy time and in a rising economy. I have every confidence we are now putting together the final plans of what will be one of the UK’s most eminent consultancies.”

Ian Maclean, former managing director of Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa, has been announced as UK managing director for energy and industry – bringing together the former WSP industrial engineering discipline as well as Parsons Brinckerhoff’s power and energy arm.

Maclean has spent 33 years in the industry working for Parsons Brinckerhoff and Balfour Beatty, Alstom and GEC prior to that.

Maclean said: “I am extremely excited to be leading this well respected capability in our industry and am looking forward to bringing to the table my wealth of experience in the industry, particularly in power.

“As we move forward my focus will be on working with Mark to maximise our combined strength to create a company that will be the envy of our competitors.”

Steve Reffitt, former chief operating officer of Parsons Brinckerhoff Europe, has been appointed integration director for the businesses in the UK, the Middle East and Africa.