People | People on the move IWP&DC reports on recent appointments in the industry
New Executive Vice President and Head of Division Energy at AFRY
AFRY has announced that Elon Hägg will become Executive Vice President and Head of the Energy Division, effective March 1, 2025. With this appointment, he will also join the Group Executive Management Team. Hägg replaces Linda Pålsson, who was named
President and CEO of AFRY earlier this year. He is currently Vice President and Global Head of Hydro, overseeing AFRY’s global hydropower business and strategy. He has been with the company for nearly 14 years in senior leadership roles, including as Head of Hydropower in Sweden. Before joining AFRY, he worked at Fortum, managing the Dam Safety Management unit. Hägg holds a Master of Science in Environmental and Water Engineering from Uppsala University and is based in Stockholm. “I’m delighted to welcome Elon Hägg to the
Group Executive Management Team. With his extensive experience in the energy sector and proven leadership skills, Elon is a valuable addition to the team. As the energy sector drives the green transition, Elon together with the team will be instrumental in accelerating the clean energy transition and in delivering value to our clients,” said Linda Pålsson, President and CEO at AFRY.
“I am honoured to take on this new challenge and look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place in the Division Energy. Together, we will continue to drive profitable growth, innovation, and support our clients in the energy transition,” Hägg said.
McMillen appoints European Market Lead
McMillen has appointed Herman Wanningen as its European Market Lead, expanding the company’s presence in Europe and opening a second office in the Netherlands. Wanningen, an ecologist and advocate for river connectivity and fish migration, is best known as the founder of World Fish Migration Day and the initiator of the Dam Removal Europe movement. Since its launch in 2014, World Fish Migration Day has grown into a global event promoting awareness of river conservation and migratory fish. His work on dam removal has helped bring attention to an estimated 150,000 obsolete dams across Europe that no longer serve a beneficial purpose or pose safety risks.
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After years of raising awareness, Wanningen is shifting focus to direct action with McMillen. “Now that barrier removal is becoming an accepted river restoration tool in Europe, there is a big need for a specialized company that works European-wide and knows how to manage complex demolition projects,” he said. Marissa Emmons, McMillen’s Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, welcomed Wanningen’s expertise. “I’m thrilled to welcome Herman to my team of thought leaders,” she said. “His expertise and understanding of the barrier removal landscape in Europe, combined with our technical skills in delivering these projects from start to finish, will be a powerful combination. Together, we’ll make a real difference in reconnecting rivers and improving public safety.”
McMillen is an engineering, construction management, and environmental firm specializing in dam, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure projects.
Troutman Pepper expands hydropower expertise
Dustin Till, an attorney with extensive experience in hydropower, environmental, and renewable energy law, has joined Troutman Pepper Locke as a partner in the firm’s expanding Energy practice. Till brings over a decade of in-house counsel experience at PacifiCorp, where he provided strategic guidance on complex energy regulatory and environmental matters.
Till’s practice spans a wide range of areas, including regulatory, policy, and tribal issues. It focuses particularly on relicensing and compliance challenges related to hydroelectric assets. Till will join Troutman Pepper Locke’s nationally leading hydropower practice and will provide support to the firm’s environmental and energy transactions groups. “I’m excited to join Troutman Pepper Locke and collaborate with its exceptional team of attorneys to tackle the complex challenges facing energy clients today,” said Till. “With the firm’s deep bench of talent, I look forward to helping clients navigate critical regulatory and compliance issues, especially in the evolving energy landscape of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.” During his tenure at PacifiCorp, Till managed several high-profile strategic matters for the law department, including the historic Klamath Dam removal project..
“Dustin’s unparalleled experience in guiding complex dam decommissioning projects, including the largest dam removal in U.S. history, positions him as a critical resource for our clients navigating the evolving hydropower space,” said John Leonti, chair of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Energy Department. “As the demand for pumped-storage and renewable energy sources increase, Dustin’s experience will provide invaluable support in achieving successful outcomes in this evolving market.” “Dustin’s deep knowledge in hydropower, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where many of our clients are based, makes him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Adrienne Thompson, managing partner of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Portland office. “His strong relationships with key players in the region will significantly enhance our ability to serve clients on the West Coast.” Till earned his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Western Washington University.
New appointment to Mott MacDonald’s board
Mott MacDonald has announced the appointment of Richard Risdon to its executive board. Risdon has been the regional managing director of the UK and Europe for the global engineering, development and management consultancy since 2022.
With over 25 years’ experience in civil engineering, specialising in the water sector, Risdon has a track record of growing businesses, building high performing teams, and delivering excellence to clients. Before taking on the leadership of Mott MacDonald’s UK and Europe region, which now stands at more than 11,000 people, Risdon helped to form Mott MacDonald Bentley Contracting and served as the company’s head of operations. James Harris, chair and chief executive of Mott MacDonald, said: “Richard has demonstrated his ability to grow businesses and build high performing teams throughout his career, and through his leadership of our UK and Europe region we have continued to go from strength to strength. He now brings his collaborative and inclusive approach to our executive board and I am looking forward to working with him more closely as we deliver on our strategy.”
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