Key appointment supports ACE’s strategic priorities for the consultancy sector

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has announced Darren Reed has become Chair of its Large Consultancy Advisory Council.

Darren Reed is Executive Managing Director for Transport and Infrastructure, UK and Ireland at WSP, and brings more than 25 years’ experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects across rail, roads and aviation. He currently leads a team of approximately 3,500 professionals and has a strong track record in consultancy leadership, inclusive team development and sustainable business growth.

In his role at WSP, Darren has worked extensively across client, consultant and contractor organisations, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing large consultancies operating in the UK infrastructure market. His experience spans the full lifecycle of infrastructure programmes, from strategic planning and design through to delivery, operation and maintenance.

Commenting on his appointment, Darren Reed said: “The Large Consultancy Advisory Council has a pivotal role to play in shaping the future of our sector. As Chair, I will work to provide strategic clarity and confidence, helping ACE and its members articulate a clear, long-term vision for infrastructure that aligns with ACE’s Infrastructure 2050 strategy and supports the UK’s economic, environmental and social goals.

“My focus will be on collaborative leadership - strengthening partnerships with government, clients and industry peers - while championing talent, innovation and sustainability. By sharpening our strategic focus and delivering practical impact, we can ensure the Large Consultancy Advisory Council is a strong, forward-thinking voice for large consultancies and a trusted partner in delivering national priorities.”

Kate Jennings, CEO of ACE, said: “Darren brings extensive leadership experience from one of the UK’s and the world’s largest infrastructure consultancies, alongside a clear commitment to collaboration, clarity of purpose and delivery excellence. His appointment as Chair of the Large Consultancy Advisory Council will strengthen ACE’s ability to represent large consultancies and to engage effectively with major clients and government.

“Darren’s focus on strategic partnerships, practical outcomes and clear communication aligns closely with ACE’s ambitions to increase its influence and impact across infrastructure and the built environment. We look forward to working with him as the council continues to evolve as a key forum within ACE.”

Background

The Large Consultancy Advisory Council is a forum within the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) that represents the interests of large consultancy businesses across the UK. The council provides strategic insight, supports policy development and helps shape ACE’s engagement with government, clients and stakeholders on issues affecting the consultancy sector.

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) is the business association for the UK’s professional consultancies and engineering companies operating in the social and economic infrastructure sectors. As the leading voice for the sector, we foster collaboration to propel the industry to fulfil its ambitions.

We champion infrastructure and the built environment - helping our sector to build a safe, prosperous and sustainable future.

The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) champions new environmental markets to Government and other stakeholders and is the leading association representing the environmental technologies and services sector.

Together, ACE Group members provide insight and guidance on infrastructure and environmental projects at all scales and stages of development. Leveraging insight from global best practice, they bring innovation, solutions and cost effectiveness.

The sector is highly skilled, productive, and forward-looking—employing over 470,000 people and contributing more than £39 bn to the UK economy. It competes on a global stage, exporting over £11.1 bn providing solutions to the world’s pressing issues and holds the key to a brighter future