AtkinsRéalis has confirmed the appointment of Justin Norman as Managing Director of its Transportation business for the UK and Ireland, effective immediately, as the engineering consultancy positions itself for the next phase of growth across rail, highways, local transport and maritime markets.
A Chartered Engineer with a civil engineering background, Justin Norman brings more than two decades of experience within the business, having joined Atkins in 2003 and held a series of senior leadership roles across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Norman stepped into the role on an interim basis in April 2026 and most recently served as Nuclear and International Growth Director for the UK and Ireland. His previous positions include Managing Director of AtkinsRéalis’ Europe business and Managing Director of the company's Ireland operation.
In his new position, Norman will oversee a transportation division comprising more than 2,000 professionals delivering expertise across rail, highways, local transport and maritime sectors. The business provides services ranging from strategic consultancy and transport planning to detailed engineering design, digital transformation and operational support.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the transport industry, with infrastructure renewal, digital innovation, decarbonisation and regional devolution reshaping how projects are planned, funded and delivered.
Chris Ball, President, UK & Ireland, AtkinsRéalis, said:
“The transport sector is going through a period of significant change, driven by asset renewal, digital transformation and decarbonisation, along with devolution giving regions a greater role in shaping transport to deliver place-led growth. Justin has spent more than two decades with our business and has a strong record of driving growth across markets.”
“That experience equips him to lead a team central to how the UK and Ireland plan, fund and deliver transport.”
Norman succeeds Colette Carroll OBE, who has moved into the role of Global Market Lead for Rail at AtkinsRéalis.
As the largest engineering consultancy operating across the UK and Ireland, AtkinsRéalis continues to play a major role in some of the region’s most significant transport programmes. Its rail portfolio includes involvement in Northern Powerhouse Rail, the £10.7 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade, and East West Rail.
The company is also active across major highways projects, including supporting the design of the Lower Thames Crossing and operating and maintaining the M25 through Connect Plus Services.
Beyond national infrastructure, AtkinsRéalis is helping shape regional transport networks through projects such as the £5 billion redevelopment of Liverpool Central Station, while also providing strategic consultancy for major industry initiatives, including National Highways’ £27 billion Third Road Investment Strategy and collaboration between Mayoral Strategic Authorities and Great British Railways.
Norman’s appointment signals AtkinsRéalis’ continued focus on supporting the delivery of integrated, sustainable transport solutions as governments, operators and regional authorities seek to modernise networks and drive economic growth across the UK and Ireland.
Image credit: AtkinsRéalis
