International design, engineering and advisory company Aurecon has appointed Louise Adams, the group’s current chief operating officer, as its new group chief executive officer, effective 1 July 2025.

Ms Adams succeeds current group CEO, William (Bill) Cox, whose six-year leadership term saw Aurecon achieve record growth helping clients solve increasingly complex problems including energy security, clean water, urbanisation and climate change.

Aurecon chair Giam Swiegers said Ms Adams’ outstanding track record of building an engaged culture, delivering strong financial performance and excellence in client services was key to the next phase of Aurecon’s success.

“Louise is a globally recognised business leader, with decades of experience across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Middle East,” said Mr Swiegers.

“She has honed razor-sharp insights and strong business acumen over the last four years delivering exceptional results as the group’s current chief operating officer. This combined with Louise’s deep expertise in Asia will continue to enhance our people, trade and investment links across Asia Pacific, supporting our vision of a connected and networked Aurecon.”

As Aurecon’s first female group CEO, Ms Adams will lead approximately 7,500 people in 31 locations across Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Greater China.

Ms Adams said Asia Pacific remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world, marked by economic development, technological advancements and increasing global influence.

“In today’s world, engineering is not just a means to an end – it’s a force for good. The skills and capabilities that we, as engineers, uniquely bring to the table are key to providing safe and sustainable outcomes for society,” she said.

“Immense change is occurring across Asia Pacific and in response Aurecon has diversified our service offerings to address our clients’ most pressing challenges including combating climate change, transitioning to renewable energy and investing in the right technologies. I look forward to using this new role to continue elevating our important work.”

Ms Adams joined Aurecon in 2000 after graduating from the University of South Australia as one of only two women in the graduating class of engineers. Since then, she has remained a strong advocate for equality in STEM, becoming the first female executive director on Aurecon’s global board and remains a global spokesperson for women in leadership through the Chief Executive Women programme.

Mr Swiegers extended the board’s gratitude to Mr Cox for his leadership at Aurecon and the contributions he has made during his 35-year distinguished career in engineering advisory services. 

“Under Bill’s leadership, Aurecon achieved record profits and expanded its geographical footprint with Aurecon becoming one of Asia Pacific’s largest employee-owned engineering and advisory companies,” he concluded.

Mr Cox will continue to work closely with Ms Adams over the coming months and following 1 July plans to expand his significant and valuable commitment to the broader engineering sector through his directorships and other roles.