The people of WSP SA

THE PEOPLE OF WSP SA –IN IT FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE

(Above, from top): Paul Grota, Michelle Jackson and Mathieu du Plooy. WSP has announced the appointment of Paul Grota as its new MD for SA. Grota joined WSP in November 2014, as part of the Parsons Brinckerhoff acquisition, where he was head of operations for Africa. After the acquisition, he led the integration of WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff in Africa and has, until recently, been the COO for the Power, Industry and Property business units.

“I’m very excited to be taking over from Mathieu du Plooy, who’s moved to the UK to take up the role of COO for the UK and SA, after leading our African business for 12 years,” he says.

Creating sustainable solutions

Grota believes WSP is moving into a new phase of growth in Africa. “We ended last year on a high, with some significant new projects and the news that both WSP Group Africa and Golder Associates Africa had achieved Level 1 BBBEE status, solidifying our position as a preferential partner to local clients and partners,” he says. “This is an exciting time to be taking on this role and I’m confident that we can continue developing creative, comprehensive and sustainable engineering solutions for a future in which society can thrive.”

“Paul's understanding of our clients and passion for developing our people and culture will help WSP capitalise on the many opportunities that exist within the African market,” says Du Plooy. “I look forward to working with him through the strong relationship between our UK and African businesses.”

As Grota moves into his new role, Michelle Jackson joined the organisation from Turner & Townsend as MD for Property and Buildings on 1 February 2022. Most recently, she led Turner & Townsend’s Data Centre business, having also led a variety of projects and business units across sectors, including Property, Infrastructure, Oil and Gas and Mining. Jackson also supported the development and management of Turner & Townsend’s regional West African business, as well as successfully managing projects in Mozambique, Nigeria and Ghana.

Infrastructure, community and environment

With this new leadership in place, WSP remains focused on playing its part in Africa’s sustainable development. “There’s no denying the massive infrastructure needs in Africa,” says Grota. “To keep up with the demands of rapid population growth and urbanisation, and to support existing industries while helping to establish new ones, infrastructure remains a key contributor to economic activity and social development needs.

“We see ourselves as having an important role to play in delivering much-needed infrastructure projects. Our purpose of preparing our communities and environment for the future is underpinned by how we see ourselves as a link between, and providing support for, the effective delivery of these aspirations, policies and project.”

WSP also remains committed to helping its clients take up opportunities to leapfrog into more sustainable technology – such as renewable energy – and keep environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) matters top of mind, as these are adopted. “We’ve always worked with our clients to remain future-focused, even as we design in the now, and bring our expertise in environmental and sustainability matters to bear when we advise our clients on how to ensure that their projects are future-ready and sustainable,” says Grota.

Promoting STEM throughout the continent

In support of these aspirations and projects, WSP remains a proud STEM employer and advocate for advancing upcoming generations of talented engineers, scientists and ESG experts.

With acknowledgement to Rod Sweet, Global Construction Review