Arup has moved to stregthen its water business in the Americas with the appointment of Janine Witko as New York Water Business Leader.

Under Ms. Witko’s leadership, Arup will refocus its strategic efforts on building the water business in the Americas - she will be responsible for further developing its water business services and growing its client base.

Commenting on the appointment, Gillian Blake, principal and leader of the infrastructure team in Arup's New York office, said:

"Arup's aim is to be recognized as industry-leading experts in the strategic and sustainable management of water. By adding Janine to our leadership team, we will be on our way to being viewed as global thought leaders in creating a legacy of innovative, future proof, and value-adding solutions to complex problems, and for delivering projects in an integrated and holistic way. “

With 30 years of professional experience, Ms. Witko joins Arup from Halcrow, where she served as vice president and North America water director.

Arup’s global water team includes civil engineers, hydrologists, hydrogeologists, geotechnical specialists, ecologists, environmental scientists, rivers and coastal scientists, and geomorphologists.

The firm said its commitment towards climate change adaptation is demonstrated by pursuing projects focused on water supply quantity and quality treatment issues, wastewater/CSO planning, and design and asset management.

Arup's water business in the Americas has experienced steady growth over the last 5 years. Recent projects include Lake Mead, a deep-water intake to preserve the water supply to Las Vegas; Bay View Hunters Point, a sustainable infrastructure development in San Francisco; and the East River Water Front Esplanade, a rejuvenation of a waterfront park in New York.