Ann Williams elected to Board of Engineering NZ

Many congratulations to Beca’s Ann Williams, who has recently been elected to the Board of Engineering NZ. This position is one that recognises the ongoing commitment and contribution she continues to make to consulting engineering in New Zealand.

During Ann’s more than 30 years in the industry, she has become one of the most respected leaders in the geotechnical field. Ann is excited by the opportunities this role will bring. “I am really excited to take up this governance role in a time of so much change – I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and the contribution I can make to the industry”, says Ann.

For the past five years, Ann has led Beca’s national geotechnical business, over which time it has doubled in size. Much of this growth can be attributed to her values-driven and strategic approach to leadership – most especially by encouraging and role-modelling opportunities for women in engineering, and to geotechnical in particular.

“As a Board member, I recognise that I represent the wider engineering community, and cherish that I have the ability to influence diversity, equity and sustainability in engineering in Aotearoa,” says Ann. “Attracting and keeping women in engineering through to senior levels is a strategic focus for me.”

The list of Ann’s contributions to engineering in New Zealand are many, and have demonstrated diversity of thought, objectivity and a willingness to speak up. These include being Chair of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society (NZGS) and Vice President (Australasia) of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG). She was instrumental in establishing Engineering New Zealand’s PEngGeol register which came into effect in 2013. Ann has authored national geotechnical guidance, judged national and international awards and led industry training. She is a member of Beca Group’s Audit and Risk committee, through which she has learned deep commercial and risk understanding.

As a life-long learner, Ann also recently began a personal journey towards better understanding Te Ao Māori, reinforcing and deepening her appreciation for meaningful partnership with Māori as collaborators and co-designers, to enable and deliver better outcomes for current and future generations of New Zealanders.