Philip Rice appointed management consulting lead for Middle East business

Philip Rice has been appointed to lead on management consulting services for global engineering, consultancy, and advisory practice Buro Happold.

Philip will harness the capability of the management consulting team, while drawing on the wealth of engineering knowledge from Buro Happold’s technical experts around the globe. This will provide Buro Happold’s clients with integrated solutions in the built environment, from strategy to implementation.

The role is one that plays to Philip’s strengths, following a successful career as managing director of consultancy for engineering advisors Lloyd’s Register, and prior to this, as partner with management consultancy PA Consulting.

With over 25 years’ experience in delivering major business transformation projects across the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia, Philip has been involved in a range of sectors including energy, transportation, public sector and financial services. He will be based in Buro Happold’s Dubai office.

Buro Happold has an exciting future ahead, and its timely expansion to broaden its advisory and consultancy services for clients is something I was eager to be a part of.

Philip Rice

Commenting on his appointment, Philip said: ‘Buro Happold has an exciting future ahead, and its timely expansion to broaden its advisory and consultancy services for clients is something I was eager to be a part of. With my strong background in business model design and technology-driven change programmes, I believe I can bring real value to our clients.’

James Bruce, chief executive officer, Buro Happold, added: ‘Philip joins us at an exciting time for the business. The rapid and ever-changing challenges facing our clients means we need to keep evolving and expanding the breadth and depth of our knowledge. As part of our strategy for growth over the coming years we are expanding our consultancy capability, so having Philip on board to spearhead this transition is fantastic.’

Philip joins the company on the back of other recent senior appointments including Christian Ulrich as new Europe Managing Director and Ian Redmayne as Partner, as well as a number of notable acquisitions including laboratory planning specialists Abell Nepp, leading acoustics and AV consultancy Vanguardia Limited and US sustainability consulting firm Paladino and Company. This expansion drive was announced by CEO James Bruce in early 2021, when he unveiled his ambitious plans to see the business double from 2,000 to 4,000 employees in six years through acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships in key regions across the globe.