James Harris serves as the chairman and chief executive officer of Mott MacDonald, one of the world’s largest employee-owned engineering, management, and development consultancies. Beginning his career at the company in 1990 as a graduate, James has dedicated over three decades to Mott MacDonald, climbing steadily through its ranks and leading with a vision committed to excellence, equity, and innovative solutions for global infrastructure challenges.
Early Career and Educational Journey
James Harris embarked on his professional journey after studying civil and structural engineering at University College Cardiff. His keen interest in problem-solving led him to join Mott MacDonald’s UK water business, where he started as a junior engineer.
The early years of his career were marked by significant projects, including major civil engineering assignments in Hong Kong. By 2002, James returned to the UK, taking on more senior roles and amassing experiences that would later shape his leadership style.
Leadership Roles and Company Impact
Ascending to the executive board in 2017, James became group managing director in 2019 and, by August 2022, was appointed chairman and chief executive. Under his leadership, Mott MacDonald has maintained robust operational performance worldwide, navigating complex periods like the Covid-19 pandemic and transforming the firm into a beacon of technical and managerial excellence.
His tenure coincided with the company’s expansion and the strengthening of its position as a leader in sustainable infrastructure, particularly through the development of global standards for carbon management and climate resilience. Harris’s direction helped embed carbon reduction initiatives into project decision-making, amplifying Mott MacDonald’s impact on sustainable construction across the globe.
Technical Excellence and Industry Influence
James Harris is known for championing technical excellence within the company and the wider industry. His work with the UK Green Construction Board’s Infrastructure Working Group resulted in the Infrastructure Carbon Review for HM Treasury and set the stage for PAS 2080, the world’s first international standard for managing infrastructure carbon. His hands-on commitment to making infrastructure more sustainable has helped clients deliver projects that reduce environmental impact and create lasting value for communities.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Throughout his career at Mott MacDonald, Harris has fostered an inclusive culture, advocating for equality and championing diversity both within the firm and across the sector. He has driven initiatives to encourage open collaboration between colleagues and clients, helping advance improvements that are recognized by awards and accolades.
Harris’s approach to leadership is deeply people-focused; he is celebrated as a leading ally executive by LGBT+ professional organizations, and his sincere engagement with colleagues continues to shape the company’s positive work environment.
Achievements and Milestones
Under Harris’s stewardship, Mott MacDonald Bentley, a joint venture formed with Bentley Holdings, has delivered over £2.5 billion in turnover within 25 years. James has overseen a variety of flagship projects, helping the consultancy diversify its portfolio and drive technical innovation. These efforts have also extended into Mott MacDonald’s approach to flood resilience, digital transformation, and international development, setting new benchmarks in client service and project delivery.
Personal Life and Values
Away from his corporate responsibilities, James Harris is described as an inspiring, enthusiastic, and committed individual with a deep appreciation for teamwork and community engagement. Colleagues and clients alike recognize him for his authenticity, willingness to help, and encouragement of younger professionals in their development.
Harris’s personal life remains grounded in family values and lifelong learning. He is known for promoting balance and well-being and for inspiring others to challenge the status quo in engineering and life. These attributes, combined with his professional acumen, continue to shape the human side of Mott MacDonald’s leadership.
Vision for the Future
James Harris’s legacy at Mott MacDonald is embodied in his unwavering commitment to technical advancement, sustainability, and social inclusion. He believes in continuous improvement, advises teams to seek better solutions, and leads efforts to harness new technologies, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, to achieve greater project outcomes. His leadership ensures that Mott MacDonald stays at the forefront of the industry, setting standards that not only deliver excellence in infrastructure but also nurture future generations of engineers and professionals.
James Harris’s career is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and a profound belief in making a positive difference in the world. His story inspires not just seasoned professionals but anyone curious about how one person’s vision can help shape a global company into a force for good, driving change for people, places, and the planet.
