GHD hits refresh on governance structure

One of the world’s leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, GHD, has announced a refreshed governance structure, with a greater focus on digital technologies in a highly competitive global industry.

As part of the changes, Elizabeth Harper, CIO, has joined the company’s Executive Management Group and will report directly to the CEO.

Ashley Wright, GHD’s CEO, says, “Digital services are crucial to GHD as we continue to position the business to respond to the technological challenges of 2020 and beyond. Our investment in digital systems underpins our strategic vision of seamless service across our connected global network.”

Elizabeth leads a global team of 200 IT professionals. The team supports GHD’s engineers, architects, environmental scientists and related consultants in delivering more than 75 different services to clients.

With 200 offices around the world, GHD views digital systems as a platform for better client service, collaboration and knowledge sharing. Another challenge for Elizabeth’s team is deploying enterprise-level technologies and helping integrate new additions to GHD’s global business.

Elizabeth says, “A CIO is closer to being a client service manager than a technologist. It is fundamental to understand and participate in the business, embrace the strategy and translate it for the IS team to enable GHD’s continued development.”

Since joining GHD as CIO in 2010, Elizabeth has transformed the company’s approach to Information Systems, leading to improved service delivery, consistency and engagement. She has also commercialised IT services for external clients to complement GHD’s extensive range of technical offerings.

Elizabeth has been recognised as a trailblazer for women in the traditionally male-dominated IT industry, starting as a data entry operator and progressing into senior executive roles. She is a sought-after mentor to many women at GHD and in the IT sector.

Elizabeth’s achievements have been acknowledged with a Gold Disruptor award from the Australian Computer Society in 2015. She was also hailed as one of Queensland’s most inspirational private sector leaders at the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.