Arup Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arup has 5 executives leading key functions including global operations, regional information technology, regional infrastructure management, financial strategy, and human capital development.

Committed to sustainable development and engineering excellence, Arup delivers innovative design and consulting solutions to address complex global infrastructure challenges while shaping the built environment for future generations.

Leadership Roles at Arup

  • Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal - Carolyn Poirier
  • Chief Operating Officer - Emeka Okide
  • Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region) - Nigel Nicholls
  • Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia) - Clive Bortz
  • Chief People Officer - Sarah Rosen
  • Carolyn Poirier - Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal

    Carolyn Poirier, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal at Arup, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the firm's operations across the Americas. Overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal ensures that resources support the firm's commitment to sustainable building design and infrastructure consulting. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to evaluate investment opportunities and maintain long-term financial stability. By optimizing revenue streams and managing project costs, Carolyn Poirier directly impacts the firm's ability to pursue ambitious engineering projects. The Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal monitors economic trends to guide strategic decision-making and ensure compliance with regional financial regulations. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, Poirier secures the financial foundation necessary for the firm to continue delivering high-impact, sustainable solutions, ultimately driving growth and maintaining the firm's reputation for excellence in the competitive construction and consulting market.

    Emeka Okide - Chief Operating Officer

    Emeka Okide, the Chief Operating Officer at Arup, directs global operational workflows to ensure seamless project delivery across diverse engineering sectors. Overseeing internal scaling and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards for structural engineering and sustainability consulting projects. This leadership role involves optimizing management consulting processes to drive efficiency throughout the organization. By aligning operational capacity with market demands, Emeka Okide directly impacts the firm's ability to execute complex infrastructure assignments. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to guarantee that project management teams meet rigorous quality benchmarks. Through constant refinement of internal systems, Okide secures the operational foundation necessary for long-term growth. This position requires close collaboration with regional leaders to standardize service delivery models, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of the global construction and design industry while maintaining a focus on carbon management and technical excellence.

    Nigel Nicholls - Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region)

    Nigel Nicholls, the Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region) at Arup, manages the execution of large-scale infrastructure and building design projects throughout the Americas. Overseeing regional supply chain logistics and project delivery teams, the Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region) ensures that all structural engineering and sustainability consulting initiatives align with local market requirements. This leadership role involves coordinating with cross-functional departments to optimize project management workflows and enhance client outcomes. By driving North American initiatives, Nigel Nicholls directly impacts the firm's regional market share and operational profitability. The Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region) monitors project lifecycles to mitigate risks and ensure adherence to strict safety and environmental standards. Through strategic oversight of regional resources, Nicholls fosters a culture of technical excellence and innovation, positioning the firm as a leader in the complex landscape of American civil engineering and infrastructure development.
    Nigel Nicholls

    Clive Bortz - Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia)

    Clive Bortz, the Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia) at Arup, architects the digital infrastructure supporting complex engineering and design operations across the Asia-Pacific region. Managing the integration of advanced building design software and data analytics, the Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia) ensures that technical teams possess the tools required for high-precision civil engineering. This leadership role involves securing digital assets and streamlining communication channels between regional offices to facilitate seamless collaboration on large-scale infrastructure projects. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols and cloud-based solutions, Clive Bortz directly impacts the firm's technological agility. The Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia) drives digital transformation initiatives that enhance project efficiency and sustainability reporting capabilities. Through strategic investment in emerging technologies, Bortz maintains the firm's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the construction industry, ensuring that regional operations remain resilient and innovative.

    Sarah Rosen - Chief People Officer

    Sarah Rosen, the Chief People Officer at Arup, architects the global human capital strategy to attract and retain top-tier talent in structural engineering, sustainability, and management consulting. Overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm's workforce remains aligned with the mission of delivering innovative infrastructure solutions. This leadership role involves designing inclusive workplace policies and performance management systems that foster technical expertise and collaborative growth. By driving initiatives that promote diversity and employee engagement, Sarah Rosen directly impacts the firm's ability to solve complex design challenges. The Chief People Officer monitors workforce trends to ensure that the organization remains a preferred employer in the global construction and architecture sector. Through strategic investment in leadership training and skill development, Rosen cultivates a high-performing environment where engineers and consultants thrive, ensuring that the firm maintains its status as a leader in global design and engineering excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arup Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Arup?
    Arup is led by Carolyn Poirier (Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal), along with executives such as Emeka Okide (Chief Operating Officer) and Nigel Nicholls (Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region)).
    Who is part of Arup’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arup includes leaders such as Carolyn Poirier (Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal), Emeka Okide (Chief Operating Officer), Nigel Nicholls (Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Arup have?
    Arup has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Arup’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Arup includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region), Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia), Chief People Officer.