Arcadis has appointed Gavin Barwell, former planning minister and No. 10 chief of staff during Theresa May’s premiership, as a strategic advisor.
Lord Barwell was the MP for Croydon Central from 2010 until 2017. While remaining an active peer, he will work with Arcadis to provide strategic advice on a series of priorities around construction, housing, placemaking and urban regeneration.
The company said it hoped Barwell would help it to develop its emerging residential sector footprint and housing JV model and its precision manufacture and modular construction expertise, which has “come to the fore during the covid-19 pandemic”.
Mark Cowlard, Arcadis CEO UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted that Gavin will be coming onboard and I look forward to working with him. This is an incredibly challenging time for everyone regardless of industry, sector or geographical location. Arcadis is ready to play our part wherever we can in the immediate response and the recovery that follows, and Gavin’s appointment will help us do just that.
“Gavin brings a wealth of expertise across a range of our key sectors in particular urban development and housing. This will help Arcadis further develop our support to clients, during this uncertain time and beyond.
“Aside from his sector specific credentials, his broader insight, will also be of great value to us as a leadership team as we move beyond covid-19.”
Peter Hogg, UK cities director said: “We have been incredibly impressed by Gavin’s passion and understanding for areas that are crucial to Arcadis. As a company we seek to challenge both ourselves and the sectors we work in through innovation and leadership, this appointment will allow us to continue that trend at a time when it is needed most.”
Lord Barwell said: “I am delighted to be joining Arcadis in an advisory role. Arcadis are recognised as world leaders in design and consultancy for natural and built assets and I look forward to helping shape the conversation around construction, urban development and housing.
“These are areas that will be crucial as we help industry, the economy and our communities recover from the current crisis.”
Barwell also acts as an adviser to Barratt Homes, advisory firm Avonhurst and accountancy firm PwC. He is also a non-executive director of housing association Clarion Group.
