What's Happening?
AtkinsRéalis has announced the appointment of Sarah Wilkes as the new managing director of its secure government business unit for the UK and Ireland. Wilkes joins the company from Frazer-Nash Consultancy, where she held the position of managing director and vice
president within its parent company, KBR. She brings with her extensive experience from her 17-year tenure in leadership roles at Arcadis. Wilkes will succeed Andy Finch, who is retiring after 16 years with the company. In her new role, she will oversee more than 1,000 employees across the UK and Ireland, focusing on areas such as defence, security, management consultancy, digital transformation, cyber resilience, and secure technology solutions. Her appointment is set to begin on September 7.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Sarah Wilkes is significant as it comes at a time when government demand for expertise in defence, security, and critical national infrastructure is growing. Her leadership is expected to guide AtkinsRéalis in navigating complex security and transformation challenges, which are crucial for supporting government and critical national infrastructure clients. This move underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its consultancy services in these vital sectors. Wilkes' experience in leading multidisciplinary consultancy businesses and her track record of growing organizations through periods of change are seen as valuable assets for AtkinsRéalis as it aims to expand its influence and capabilities in the UK and Ireland.
What's Next?
Sarah Wilkes will officially take on her new role on September 7, where she will begin working with colleagues and clients to build on the existing foundation and broaden the ways AtkinsRéalis brings its expertise into government programs. The transition is expected to be smooth, with Wilkes leveraging her extensive experience to lead the company through its next phase of growth and development in the secure government sector.
