WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff have appointed the managing director of WSP Mark Naysmith as UK Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the newly formed company, following WSP's acquisition of Parsons Brinckerhoff last year.

The combined company has 32,000 people globally and 5,150 in the UK.

Mark, who has worked at WSP for 26 years, has also been named Managing Director responsible for UK property, transportation and infrastructure.

As a civil & transportation engineer Mark began his career in 1988 and joined WSP following the acquisition of Kenchington Little & Partners in the early 90s. He has worked in many senior roles in the business before being appointed UK managing director in 2013.

In 2014 he was awarded the ACE European Chief Executive of the Year award for his achievements particularly relating to his leadership and focus throughout the recession, which positioned the business well to take immediate advantage of the economic upturn in its key sectors.

Mark, a chartered engineer of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (IHT) and a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), commented:

"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 and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) 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.

Ian has spent 33 years in the industry, working for Parsons Brinckerhoff, where he played a lead role in the development of Medupi Power Station in South Africa. He also worked for Balfour Beatty, Alstom and GEC prior to that.

Ian stated:

"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.  Steve has experience of both organisations and will be working closely with Mark and Ian to integrate the two businesses, which will enhance project delivery through greater resource management and technical skills.

WSP acquired Parsons Brinckerhoff in October last year for US$1.3 billion. Globally WSP now has 32,000 people, based in more than 500 offices, across 39 countries.