Texas & Southeast People: April 2026

Why It Matters

The appointments strengthen strategic execution and diversity focus, positioning both firms to capture growing infrastructure demand in the Texas and Southeast markets.

Key Takeaways

• Katus Watson becomes WSP Global US COO.
• Watson brings Jacobs and CH2M experience.
• Browning promoted to Manhattan Construction SVP, leads preconstruction.
• Browning heads BuildHER women’s group.
• Justin Bell advances to director of scheduling at Manhattan.

Pulse Analysis

WSP Global’s selection of Katus Watson as U.S. COO signals a deliberate push to integrate deep engineering expertise with expanding market opportunities across the United States. Watson’s tenure at Jacobs, where he oversaw Eastern U.S. and Canada operations, and his earlier role at CH2M, equip him to streamline WSP’s service delivery, enhance client relationships, and accelerate growth in high‑value sectors such as transportation, water, and energy. His concurrent involvement with Howard University and United Hands of Hope also adds a layer of community engagement that aligns with the firm’s sustainability and social‑impact goals.

Manhattan Construction’s internal promotions reflect a strategic emphasis on pre‑construction excellence and talent development within the fast‑growing Texas market. Raylena Browning’s elevation to senior vice president places a seasoned leader at the helm of business development, a critical function as the region experiences a surge in commercial and industrial projects. Her stewardship of the BuildHER women’s group further demonstrates the company’s commitment to gender diversity, fostering a pipeline of female talent in a traditionally male‑dominated field. Meanwhile, Justin Bell’s rise to director of scheduling strengthens the firm’s operational backbone, ensuring tighter project timelines and cost controls.

Collectively, these leadership changes illustrate a broader industry trend toward consolidating expertise and championing inclusive cultures to meet escalating demand for infrastructure and construction services. As Texas and the Southeast continue to attract investment, firms that align seasoned leadership with diversity initiatives are better positioned to win contracts, mitigate risk, and deliver projects on schedule. Stakeholders—from investors to subcontractors—should watch how these appointments translate into project performance metrics and market share gains over the coming quarters.