AECOM announced today that it has strengthened its Africa leadership team with the appointment of a new chief executive for the continent and a new managing director for South Africa.

The appointments are part of AECOM’s strategy to further develop its commitment to Africa and its long-term business in the region. James F. Thompson, formerly AECOM’s chief executive of global programmes, has been named chief executive, Africa. He will be responsible for working with clients across the continent, building on his background in infrastructure projects, government services and facility management. In recent years, he has been a key leader of AECOM’s business in Libya and with clients in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Ghana.

In addition, Tim ter Haar, who currently serves as AECOM’s chief operations officer for Africa, will assume the added role of managing director, South Africa. His main areas of focus will include growing AECOM’s operations in South Africa through the firm’s client management programme and expanded service offerings. He has more than 22 years’ experience in the South African market.

Advocate Kessie Naidu, chairman of AECOM’s South Africa board, congratulated Thompson and ter Haar on their appointments. He added: “They will be supported in driving the business forward by a leadership team that includes Andries Schoeman and Dede Bukasa in our ‘buildings and places’ and ‘civil infrastructure’ operations, respectively.” AECOM holds a BBBEE level 3 rating, and its operations in Africa have been active for nearly a century. AECOM is committed to improving the continent’s built, natural and social environments, with approximately 1,900 employees across Africa in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Mozambique and Nigeria.

“Our Africa business continues to be a key contributor to the success of AECOM, as we deliver innovative, value-added services that represent the cutting edge of both traditional and alternate-delivery methods for our clients,” said Fred Werner, AECOM’s president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We continue to evolve as market demands do the same, in order to bolster the successes of our clients and support long-term development across the continent.”