Engineering company Arcadis has announced a change in leadership, with Heather Polinsky nominated as the company's new CEO and chair of the executive board.
Currently serving as global president for resilience and mobility, Ms Polinsky will take over the position in March 2026 after current CEO Alan Brookes steps down from the role.
After joining Arcadis in 1999 from the US Army Environmental Command, Ms Polinsky has over 30 years of leadership experience across engineering, science and advisory disciplines. She is also a certified project management professional, with degrees in both engineering management and environmental science, and is a fellow and past president of the Society of American Military Engineers.
Earlier roles in her career included chief operating officer for North America and senior client development roles at Malcolm Pirnie, where she was able to help with its merger with Arcadis in 2009 from her position on the board of directors.
Since joining the company's executive leadership team in 2023 as president for the resilience global business area, she has played a key role in shaping Arcadis' global strategy.
Michiel Lap, chair of the supervisory board, said: ‘Arcadis is focused on reinvigorating growth and strengthening its market position, and this is the right moment for new leadership to take those priorities forward as we prepare for the next strategic cycle. As part of the Board's long-term succession process, Heather has been actively preparing for expanded leadership responsibilities.
‘We are grateful to Alan for his leadership and for his outstanding contributions as CEO and throughout his 25-year career with us. Under his stewardship, Arcadis has grown stronger, accelerated investments in skills, digital innovation and AI, and is well-positioned for future success.'
Alan Brookes, outgoing CEO, said: ‘It has been a privilege to lead Arcadis and to work alongside Arcadians around the world. I am proud of all we have achieved and confident that Arcadis is well set for the future. Heather is an exceptional leader, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition.'
Ms Polinsky stated: ‘I am honoured to be nominated as CEO of Arcadis and to succeed Alan in leading the business. My priority is to drive growth, strengthen performance, and accelerate the actions needed to position Arcadis for its next phase of success. My experience across our water, energy, environment, and transport businesses has shown me the strength of our people and the impact we deliver globally. I look forward to working with colleagues worldwide to deliver on our ambitions with pace and focus.'
