GHD Appoints David McLaren to Lead Data and AI Capabilities Globally

Why It Matters

The hire strengthens GHD’s data and AI foundation, enabling faster, more sustainable solutions for clients and keeping the firm competitive in the digital transformation of professional services.

Key Takeaways

• David McLaren joins GHD as Enterprise Data & AI Leader.
• McLaren previously built data platforms at Coca‑Cola Canada Bottling.
• Role focuses on enterprise data platform and responsible AI.
• Enhances GHD's ability to deliver data‑driven client outcomes.
• Aligns with GHD's D³ Frontier Firm partnership with Harvard, Microsoft.

Pulse Analysis

GHD, a privately owned professional services firm with more than 12,000 staff across 165 offices, has long relied on engineering expertise to solve water, energy and infrastructure challenges. In recent years, the firm has accelerated its digital transformation, recognizing that data and artificial intelligence are essential to delivering faster, more precise solutions. The appointment of David McLaren as Enterprise Data & AI Leader signals a decisive move to embed enterprise‑scale data platforms and AI capabilities into every project, reinforcing GHD’s commitment to sustainable, technology‑enabled outcomes.

McLaren arrives with a proven track record from Coca‑Cola Canada Bottling, where he built a unified data architecture, automated workflows, and instituted robust governance that lifted commercial growth and operational efficiency. His expertise in scaling analytics and responsible AI aligns with a broader industry shift toward trustworthy, production‑grade AI models. By championing practical, trusted AI, McLaren will help GHD move beyond pilot projects, ensuring that machine‑learning insights are embedded in day‑to‑day decision making while meeting regulatory and ethical standards.

The new leadership is expected to accelerate GHD’s participation in initiatives such as the D³ Frontier Firm collaboration with Harvard and Microsoft, which focuses on responsible AI research and deployment. Clients across water, energy and transportation sectors will benefit from faster data‑driven design cycles, predictive maintenance and optimized resource allocation. As GHD strengthens its data foundation, the firm positions itself to compete with global engineering consultancies that are rapidly adopting AI, ultimately delivering higher value and sustainability for both the company and its customers.