Arup announces new leaders as the firm kicks off plans to accelerate growth across the Americas

Scott Russell, Americas Managing Director

With more than 25 years of experience across the AEC industry, Scott brings extensive leadership experience in city and environmental planning, organizational development, operations, marketing, and communications. Based in Arup’s Los Angeles office, he joined Arup as the Head of Marketing and Communications for the Americas region in 2017 and became the Los Angeles Group Leader in 2020. From 2022 to 2025, he was the West Leader and a member of the Americas Region Board. 

Melissa Burton, Americas Total Design Leader

Based in Arup’s Toronto office, Melissa has over two decades of experience leading diverse project teams and supports clients in developing innovative multidisciplinary solutions tailored to specific projects, sites, and operational needs. In her role as Arup’s Americas Total Design Leader, she leads the strategy for services, skills, and innovation across the US, Canada, and Colombia. Previously, she was the Canada Operations Director.

Jenny Buckley, Americas Business and Markets Leader

Jenny, based in Arup’s New York office, brings nearly three decades’ experience leading large projects, managing client relationships, and building businesses to her new role. She leads the market, business, and client development strategy across the Americas. Jenny was formerly the Americas Transport Market Portfolio Leader. In addition to her role as Business and Markets Leader, Jenny will remain in her role as Arup’s Global Aviation Leader. 

Nigel Nicholls, Americas Performance and Operations Leader

Nigel has served as Arup’s Americas Chief Operating Officer since 2022, and previously as Managing Director of Arup’s New York office for a decade, where he is based. With over 35 years of experience at Arup, Nigel will continue to lead the commercial and operational performance of the Americas region in his new role.

Sarah Rosen, Americas People and Culture Leader

Based in Arup’s San Francisco office, Sarah leads the People and Culture priorities for the Americas, with a focus on how Arup attracts, develops, and retains its people while fostering a meaningful and rewarding employee experience. With 25 years in human resources and deep experience in the AEC industry, she is passionate about the future of work and creating environments where people and business can thrive together. Since joining Arup in 2007, Sarah has worked to ensure people strategies reflect Arup’s values and support both individual and organizational growth.

Carolyn Poirier, Americas Chief Financial Officer

Carolyn is based in Arup’s Toronto office and has been with the firm for 15 years, working across many roles on the Finance team. Carolyn was appointed as Americas Region Chief Financial Officer in 2023. Prior to that she served as the Americas Controller and Financial Planning and Analytics Leader. Carolyn has a passion for providing valuable insight and actionable analysis that leads to improved business performance and sustainable growth. In her role, Carolyn oversees the financial operations of the Americas region. 

Gillian Blake, Americas Transport Market Portfolio Leader

Gillian has over 30 years of experience in design and project leadership on various transport, railroad, and subway projects as well as associated transit-oriented developments worldwide. She was responsible for leading a team to design the expansion of New York’s Penn Station. Based in Arup’s New York office, she has had leading roles in many of Arup’s iconic transportation projects including Second Avenue Subway and Fulton Center. In her new role, Gillian oversees Arup’s Rail, Roads and Streets, Aviation, and Maritime businesses. 

Omid Nakhaei, Americas Property, Science, and Industry Market Portfolio Leader

Omid has over 25 years of experience in the design and delivery of major projects across various sectors worldwide. As Toronto Office Leader from 2022 to 2025, Omid played a key role in securing key projects in Ontario. Since 2024, he has also led the Property, Science, and Industry Market Portfolio for Arup in Canada. Most recently, he was responsible for leading major transit-oriented developments in Toronto including Rail Deck District. In his new role, Omid oversees Arup’s Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Sports & Leisure; Education; Government Buildings; Healthcare; Property; and Science, Industry, and Technology businesses. 

Brian Raine, Americas Energy, Water, and Resources Market Portfolio Leader

Based in Arup’s Houston office, Brian has over 30 years of experience at Arup in energy, water, and resources projects. He has worked in onshore and offshore infrastructure and civil and industrial facilities as well as major water and wastewater projects in the Americas and internationally. In his current role, which he has held since 2022, he will continue to work to grow with the Americas Energy, Water, and Resources teams to deliver resilient infrastructure solutions and support the energy transition. 

Gregory Giammalvo, Americas East Leader

Based in Arup’s New York office, Greg has been with Arup for over 30 years and held various leadership roles while delivering projects across many sectors such as property, arts and culture, aviation, and life science. In his current role, which he has held since 2024, he will continue to lead efforts to expand and diversify Arup’s portfolio in the East region. The East region includes the firm's offices in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Washington DC, and Chicago.

Alex Lofting, Americas West Leader

Based in Arup’s San Francisco office, Alex brings over 20 years of international experience delivering complex, integrated design projects. With a strong technical background and a client-focused approach, he has successfully engineered and delivered numerous high-profile projects for Arup. Alex served as West Property Business Leader from 2024 and as San Francisco Office Leader from 2022 to 2024. In his new role, he will continue to grow Arup’s presence across the West region, which includes the firm’s offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and Seattle. 

Sean Meadows, Canada Leader

Based in Arup’s Toronto office, Sean has over 20 years of experience in the consulting industry, supporting public sector clients to deliver diverse and challenging transport infrastructure projects. In his role, which he has held since 2022, he will continue to expand Arup’s operations in Canada. Arup's Canada offices are in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, and Calgary. 

Federico Torres Jimenez, Americas South Leader

Based in Arup’s Houston office, Federico has led projects working with the public and private sectors, including key managerial and consultancy positions in the United Kingdom and Latin America. Federico previously led the opening of Arup's Bogotá office, and established Arup as an active player in the Colombian infrastructure market. Arup’s South region includes southern States of the US and Latin America with offices in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Bogotá.