GHD appoints Ian Shepherd as CEO

Consulting engineers and international professional services company GHD has appointed Perth-based Ian Shepherd as its new chief executive.

Mr Shepherd replaces Des Whybird after serving as chief executive for the past five years.

My Whybird will become Chairman following the retirement of the company's current chairman, Clive Weeks who is stepping down after 36 years with GHD.

Full announcement below:

GHD appoints new chief executive and chairman

International professional services company GHD has appointed Ian Shepherd as its new Chief Executive.

Des Whybird, who has been Chief Executive for the past five years, will become Chairman, with the company's current chairman Clive Weeks announcing his retirement after 36 years with GHD.

The board has also appointed Peter Wood as Deputy Chairman. Mr Wood will continue his operational role as General Manager - China.

Mr Shepherd is currently General Manager - Australia and a director of GHD. He has worked for GHD for more than 22 years in the disciplines of civil and structural engineering, and in project management.

He had responsibility for corporate strategy from 1999 to 2005, a time in which GHD more than doubled in size.

Mr Shepherd said: "GHD is well positioned for future challenges, with more than 6500 people and 100 offices in 15 countries. Our revenue is expected to exceed AUD1 billion this year and this clearly reflects the leadership from Clive and Des over the past five years. The stability of GHD provides confidence to our clients that they can access world-class technology and services".

GHD continued to record exceptional growth in 2007-2008, with a 39 per cent increase in revenue to AUD939 million. The group's balance sheet remained strong with net assets increasing by 43 per cent to AUD110.8 million.

GHD is committed to managing the environmental impacts of its operations and the company again reduced its total electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions. Paper use fell by about 20 per cent per person against a target of 5 per cent. GHD is moving towards becoming carbon neutral by 2010.

Mr Whybird said: "After five years as CEO of a dynamic organisation, I am pleased to see my colleague Ian Shepherd take on the role. I am certain he will lead GHD with distinction. I wish to acknowledge Clive's great contribution to GHD as Chairman during my term as CEO, as well as the support and leadership he provided to me."

Mr Weeks said GHD's journey of growth during his six years as CEO and Chairman had placed it firmly at the forefront.

"GHD's outstanding growth, with revenue increasing from AUD190 million in 2002 to AUD939 million in 2008 has been achieved by strong adherence to GHD's enduring values - teamwork, respect and integrity, and the dynamic contribution from the whole team," he said.

"I congratulate Des Whybird and Ian Shepherd on their appointments. I know I leave GHD in very capable hands.

"Our people policies together with our innovation and sustainability initiatives enable us to better meet the needs of our clients and the global communities in which we operate and I am confident GHD will go from success to success.

"I'd like to thank our clients for their continued support. Thank you also to my fellow directors and GHD staff for helping to make GHD a truly enduring force in its 80th year."

Mr Shepherd will continue to be based in Perth, reflecting GHD's long-standing practice of having its senior executives spread throughout its global operations. Mr Whybird is based in Brisbane, and the company has directors located in China, New Zealand and Australia.