Atkins, a leading design, engineering and project management consultancy and a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has announced the appointment of Cris Dedigama as its new chief executive for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

Based in the UAE, Dedigama will lead the business’s end-to-end advisory, design and engineering and project management services under the Atkins Acuity, Atkins and Faithful+Gould brands.

He is a seasoned executive with over 30 years’ experience leading both projects and businesses in the engineering and construction industries.

Dedigama joined the SNC-Lavalin Group in 2015 as Senior VP (North Africa) Infrastructure, and then two years later he was appointed Executive VP (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Resources.

Atkins President Philip Hoare said: “Through his extensive experience in the infrastructure industry and deep knowledge of the region, Dedigama brings significant qualities which will enable us to continue cementing our business footprint and lead our future growth.”