Dr Vicky Hutchinson took up the post of environment practice director earlier this month after leaving the construction services company ISG, where she was head of social value in charge of “maximising the socio-economic outcomes of construction projects,'' according to her LinkedIn profile.
Hutchinson – who received her doctorate in management sciences from The University of Manchester – has been made responsible for the development of “service lines” to help define Atkin’s best practice for collaboration between its environmental science, ecology, noise, land quality and water specialists, according to a statement.
She will also be responsible for “driving industry engagement”, to ensure that industry experts are given a platform to debate and advise on the journey to a low-carbon economy.
Hutchinson said: “My ambition is to help change the conversation around infrastructure and the built environment, so that we move away from thinking about a trade-off between economic development and environmental impact, to one where we help clients deliver a value proposition based on investments that enhance social, economic and environmental capital.”
Such schemes in the Atkins portfolio includes the Dawlish Warren flood management scheme; Kincardine floating offshore wind farm; the science innovation centre at the University of Edinburgh; and Coed Darcy sustainable village.
Mike McNicholas, managing director for Atkins’ infrastructure division, said the timing of Hutchinson’s appointment was important given their client’s interest in “social value, sustainability and net zero goals”.
“Vicky will bring a fresh perspective to these issues not only to the environment practice but across the Atkins business,” McNicholas said.