Global architecture practice Woods Bagot has announced key appointments to its Governance Board to support the firm’s plan for growth.

Woods Bagot has appointed Sir Philip Dilley as Non-Executive Chairman and Joanna Lohkamp as Non-Executive Director of the Board. Current Executive Chairman Ross Donaldson is stepping down after ten years at the helm including nine years as Group Managing Director and one year as Executive Chairman. However, Donaldson will still remain with the practice to lead its Urban Systems Research as well as maintain his prestigious Adjunct Professorship at the University of Western Australia.

Having led the firm since 2006, Donaldson has been responsible for Woods Bagot’s expansion, resulting in the opening of seven new studios in San Francisco, New York, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur and Auckland during this period. 

Dilley officially joined the Governance Board of Woods Bagot on 1 December 2015 as the new Non-Executive Chairman. Previously the Executive Chairman of renowned multi-disciplinary engineering practice Arup Group Limited (2009-2014), Dilley brings a unique perspective to the Woods Bagot Board, providing advice on strategy and performance based on his extensive experience in professional services within the built environment.

A leading engineer and businessman, Dilley is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (2012). He was knighted in 2014 for his services to engineering.

Lohkamp, who has been appointed Non-Executive Director of the Board, brings a wealth of experience from a variety of industries including technology, manufacturing and architecture. She was Managing Partner/ Chief Financial and Operating Officer at prominent US-based global architectural practice NBBJ (2010-2014), and prior to that, founded Sound Business Solutions, Inc., a C-Suite interim leadership and business consulting practice.

Lohkamp also spent 12 years at Intel Corporation where she held executive positions in Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Operations and Human Resources across multiple business units and locations.

Welcoming Lohkamp and Dilley to the Board, Woods Bagot Group Managing Director Nik Karalis said the firm has now completed a global coverage and representation of their non-executives across multiple regions.

Image: Chief executive Nik Karalis (left), former executive chairman Ross Donaldson, and newly appointed non-executive chairman Sir Philip Dilley