Arup Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to sustainable development, Arup delivers innovative engineering and design solutions that shape the built environment while addressing complex global infrastructure challenges through expert consulting.

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, oversees all financial planning and fiscal strategy for the Americas market. Managing capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal ensures the financial health of large-scale infrastructure and building design projects. This role involves rigorous oversight of project budgets, revenue forecasting, and investment in sustainability consulting services. By maintaining fiscal discipline, Carolyn Poirier supports the firm's long-term growth objectives and operational stability. The Chief Financial Officer (Americas Region) & Principal works closely with regional leadership to evaluate the financial viability of new business opportunities. Through precise financial modeling and risk assessment, Poirier secures the resources necessary for successful project execution. This executive drives financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that all regional operations align with the broader corporate strategy while delivering value to clients across the Americas.

    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 efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation for structural engineering and building design initiatives. This leadership role requires constant coordination with regional directors to maintain high standards in sustainability consulting and infrastructure development. By streamlining management consulting processes, Emeka Okide directly impacts the firm's ability to execute large-scale projects within the United Kingdom and beyond. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in service delivery. Through rigorous oversight of operational frameworks, Okide secures the firm's competitive position in the global market. This executive maintains focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every project aligns with the core mission of delivering high-quality, sustainable engineering solutions for clients worldwide.

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

    Nigel Nicholls, the Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region) at Arup, manages all operational activities across the Americas market. Driving North American initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region) coordinates complex civil engineering projects and sustainability consulting efforts. This role involves managing regional teams to ensure project management excellence and adherence to carbon management standards. By aligning regional resources with corporate objectives, Nigel Nicholls facilitates growth in the Americas while maintaining the firm's reputation for technical precision. The Chief Operating Officer, , Arup (Americas Region) collaborates with other regional leaders to share best practices in building design and infrastructure development. Through strategic oversight of regional operations, Nicholls ensures that all projects meet rigorous quality benchmarks. This leadership position remains vital for expanding the firm's footprint and delivering impactful engineering solutions throughout the diverse markets of the Americas.
    Nigel Nicholls

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

    Clive Bortz, the Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia) at Arup, directs the digital infrastructure and technology strategy across the Australasia and East Asia regions. Overseeing the implementation of advanced engineering software and data management systems, the Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia) ensures that project teams possess the tools required for complex structural engineering and civil design. This role involves securing digital assets and optimizing information flow to support global collaboration. By integrating innovative technology solutions, Clive Bortz enhances the firm's capacity for high-level project management and sustainability consulting. The Regional Chief Information Officer, Australasia (East, Asia) collaborates with global IT leadership to standardize digital platforms. Through strategic investment in technology, Bortz drives operational efficiency and supports the firm's digital transformation. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technological landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.

    Sarah Rosen - Chief People Officer

    Sarah Rosen, the Chief People Officer at Arup, leads the global human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier engineers and consultants, the Chief People Officer ensures the firm maintains a workforce capable of delivering world-class structural engineering and sustainability consulting. This role involves designing programs that foster innovation and inclusivity across all global offices. By aligning human resources with the firm's strategic goals, Sarah Rosen cultivates an environment where technical expertise thrives. The Chief People Officer manages performance management systems and leadership development initiatives to prepare the next generation of firm principals. Through strategic workforce planning, Rosen supports the firm's ability to tackle complex infrastructure challenges. This executive drives initiatives that promote employee engagement and retention, ensuring that the firm attracts and keeps the best talent to maintain its position as a leader in the global construction and architecture industry.

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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.