With an impressive track record in her previously held role of Chief Executive of Australia-New Zealand, AECOM's Lara Poloni is now commencing her new role as Chief Executive of AECOM EMEA - the second biggest region after the U.S.

Over a career spanning more than 25 years, Ms. Poloni has predominantly worked in the planning, assessment and development of major infrastructure in the transport, energy and telecommunications sectors. She has also been appointed to AECOM’s Executive Leadership Team at the enterprise level.

In her exciting new role, Lara will lead AECOM's 20,000-strong team across the UK, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa working on a range of services to deliver solutions to some of society's most complex infrastructure challenges.

An inspiring career journey

Lara’s first role at AECOM was working as a planner on a major port expansion and redevelopment project. As part of a multi-disciplinary team Lara was excited that she could learn so much every day from the talented people she worked with stating “It formed the beginning of enduring connections with many AECOM colleagues across Australia and New Zealand, my learning the importance of working collaboratively, and of the many directions a career at AECOM can take you.”

Paving the way at AECOM

As AECOM’s first female Chief Executive, Lara is a well versed in the challenges faced by women trying to build a career in the infrastructure sector, but is confident in AECOM’s approach to workplace equality.

“Every year the bar is being raised in terms of workplace equality. Unfortunately, for years the infrastructure sector has lagged others in terms of gender diversity and equality, and we’ve really being playing catch up,” said Ms. Poloni. "AECOM recognise the benefits of a truly equitable workplace and plays our part in helping to achieve that. Our people are proud to be part of an organisation that is leading change. Whether that’s senior leaders mentoring the next generation of female leaders, tackling pay equity, creating fully flexible roles or introducing domestic violence leave, the key is to be relentless,” she explains.

A prime employer for women

AECOM offers some fantastic career opportunities for ambitious women. Why not learn more about AECOM and its supportive and flexible working environment here. With impressive women like Lara Poloni at the helm, the only way is up...

“Every day, I’m amazed to learn of the challenges we solve for our clients, and the lives we’re shaping and influencing through our work. It’s these exciting challenges that have seen me build my career here, and which make AECOM an exciting and rewarding place to start your career," she says.

As a global organisation which is experiencing significant growth,  there's no better time to join AECOM than now.

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