GHD has announced that Lucy Hovanec will assume the role of Regional General Manager for ACT and Southern NSW, succeeding May Ngui.

Hovanec’s new role will see the 20-year built environment professional lead more than 200 people in Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Bega, Nowra and Wollongong, as well as GHD’s operations in Papua New Guinea.

Hovanec joined GHD in 2017, heading up its International Development Assistance team. Over her six year tenure at the professional services outfit, she has worked in a number of roles, namely as the head of its Delivery Phase Services, an Australia-wide team providing procurement, construction and project management services for hydrogen, renewable energy, asset closure and mining clients, supporting them to make the energy transition.

“Lucy’s ability to align people across different teams, break down silos, and enable and sustain high performance is particularly impressive,” says GHD Executive General Manager – Australia, Dean McIntyre.

Her strengths in business development and growth strategy, as well as client relationship excellence are also worth noting. She has demonstrated a unique ability to create the right conditions in which others can succeed, and is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity.”

Hovanec says she is delighted to move into the new role, assisting in the delivery of the ACT’s Molonglo Bridge design services, the Delivery of the Water for Women project across Asia Pacific, and the concept design for the upgrade of Picton Road through the Wilton growth area for Transport for New South Wales.

“I’m excited to lead GHD’s continued growth in the ACT, Southern NSW and PNG region, a varied portfolio of exciting client partnerships here in Canberra at the seat of Federal Government, across the state of NSW and Papua New Guinea,” she says. 

“We’re seeing significant growth across GHD globally. In our region, this is supported by the strength of our great people and their ability to truly partner with our wonderful clients. They tell us that this partnership approach coupled with innovation, different thinking and authentic engagement means they have immediate access to the very best global expertise and they enjoy working with us to achieve on time, on cost delivery.”

Former Regional General Manager May Ngui retires after a 38-year engineering career, which included 32 years of outstanding service at GHD.