Third senior hire in six months for WSP UK Rail
WSP, the engineering professional services consultancy, continues to grow its Rail business with the appointment of a third senior hire in six months.
Taking on the role of Stations Group Director, Phil Wells brings to WSP over 30 years’ industry experience. He has supported delivery of and led major multi-disciplinary projects, including: West Coast Route Modernisation Rugby Station Remodelling; Bank Station Capacity Upgrade; Emirates Air Line, Cable Car for London; Network Rail’s southern track alliance; and, most recently, Lewisham Station and depot upgrades at Eastleigh and Beckton.
Following a period of transition with his predecessor Dan Bishop – who will now fully focus on his role as Deputy Head of Discipline (Delivery) for WSP’s Rail business – Phil will take on full responsibility in his new role from 1 January 2022.
Previously AECOM’s Regional Rail Director for London and the South East, in this national role Phil will lead a c.160-strong team and a growing portfolio of station projects, which includes HS2 stations (Euston, Old Oak Common and Curzon Street), Crossrail / Elizabeth line stations (Paddington and Tottenham Court Road), and Brent Cross West station.
Phil Wells, Stations Group Director for WSP UK (Rail), said: “Station projects represent the ultimate multi-disciplinary challenge; they are where all aspects of building and infrastructure come together. So, it’s great to be joining a business with such an impressive and growing portfolio of exciting and cutting-edge projects. As well as supporting project delivery, I also look forward to working with the team to build on our pipeline of opportunities in the UK and beyond.
“I feel fortunate in joining a very inclusive and friendly business and I look forward to supporting the career development of my new colleagues.”
Darren Reed, Managing Director for Rail at WSP UK, said: “It’s great to have Phil on board, his track record in delivering major, complex station projects speaks for itself. He brings a great deal of multi-disciplinary industry expertise and experience to our growing and ambitious Stations team.”
This latest senior level appointment follows last month’s announcement that Matt Bailey, Delivery Director,and Stuart Dickson, Director of Rail Major Projects, had recently joined WSP UK Rail.
Since January 2021, 171 new starters have joined WSP’s UK Rail business, among them 27 graduates and undergraduates.
Photo credit: WSP UK