Projects firm Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has announced the appointment of Santo Rizzuto as chief executive officer, effective from October 1, 2011.
Mr Rizzuto’s appointment follows an extensive succession planning process that began in September last year, when current CEO and managing director Paul Dougas advised the SKM Board that he would not be seeking an extension to his contract.
Mr Rizzuto is currently the general manager of the firm’s Mining & Metals business and an SKM Board Director.
Commenting on the appointment, SKM chairman Peter Scott, said: “In selecting a new CEO, the SKM Board evaluated our internal people against a long list of external executives from across the world,” he said.
“Our search consultants noted the extremely high calibre of each of the internal candidates for the role, which speaks to the talent pool overall within our firm and the quality of our development approach.
“Santo has all the attributes to lead our firm into the future, particularly his global experience, his proven ability to build and lead teams successfully and his clear appreciation of our values and culture.
“Strong client relationships remain critical to our ongoing success, and I know Santo is passionate about absolute client orientation.”
Mr Rizzuto said he was excited by the opportunities that lay ahead.
“I’m honoured to lead SKM into a new chapter, building on the strong, global foundations we already have in place,” he said.
“We have a wonderful team of talented people at SKM, and my objective now is to engage and inspire the business and confirm our strategies to achieve focused growth into the future.”
Rizzuto will be SKM’s fourth Chief Executive Officer since its foundation as a private, employee-owned company in 1964.
Mr Rizzuto follows Bruce Sinclair, Jack Knight and Paul Dougas.
Mr Scott also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Paul Dougas.
“Under Paul’s stewardship as CEO for the past 15 years our firm has grown exponentially, and is now firmly established as one of the top professional services companies in the world,” he said.
“Under his leadership we have successfully completed more than 60 mergers and acquisitions, based on a central strategy of growing with our major clients and remaining relevant to their future needs.
“Paul has made an outstanding contribution since joining SKM more than 30 years ago, and I know everyone at SKM wishes him every success as he enters a new phase in his life and career.”