How AECOM Is Bolstering Its Highways & Streets Sector
Global infrastructure powerhouse AECOM is strengthening its Highways & Street sector, with continued investment and a new director for Europe and the India region.
Industry veteran, Darren Cook has filled the role, moving from design and consultancy firm Arcadis.
There he built related expertise serving as Sector Director for Highways & Aviation in the UK & Ireland and was a member of the UK & Ireland Mobility Executive Leadership Team.
Darrenās extensive 25 years plus in the industry also includes leadership positions at Kent County Council in England, Australian engineering firm Sinclair Knight Merz and Jacobs Engineering Group which acquired Sinclair Knight Merz in 2013.
Strategic client relationships
Darren gained a reputation for building strategic client relationships, while working with national and regional government, local and combined authorities, National Highways and Transport for London among others.
Darren will report to Steve Higham, who has served as AECOMās Managing Director for Transportation in Europe and India since September 2025 and is part of the firmās regional Executive Leadership Team.
āDarren brings an exceptional combination of strategic insight, deep sector expertise and a strong track record of building trusted client relationships and high-performing teams,ā says Steve.
“His experience working alongside government, the public sector and the wider transportation industry will be a valuable addition to our Transportation leadership team.
“As we continue to invest in our highways and streets capabilities and pursue opportunities that support more connected, resilient and sustainable communities, Darren’s collaborative approach and industry relationships will be a significant asset to our clients and our people.”
- Darren has worked for more than 25 years in transport planning, major scheme development and programme delivery
- Major projects he has worked on include the Lower Thames Crossing and the Silvertown Tunnel
- He has previously held senior positions at Arcadis and Jacobs, building on previous experience at Kent County Council and Sinclair Knight Merz
- His work has focused on sector leadership, professional development and future workforce capability
- He is also a fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transport and the Royal Geographical Society, while also a member of the UK Highway Sector Council
An exciting time for the transportation sector
Darren has been involved in some of the UK’s most high-profile transportation projects, including the Silvertown Tunnel, which opened to traffic in April 2025, and the Lower Thames Crossing slated to open around 2034.
He is a fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transport and the Royal Geographical Society. He is also a member of the UK Highway Sector Council.
“I’m delighted to be joining AECOM at such an exciting time for the transportation sector. Highways and streets are fundamental to how our communities connect, grow and thrive, and there is a significant opportunity to bring together the expertise of our people, our clients and our delivery partners to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector,” says Darren.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across AECOM to develop lasting partnerships, create opportunities for our people to develop, and deliver outstanding outcomes for clients and communities.”
What is AECOM?
AECOM is a major global player in the construction industry, specialising in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings.
A Fortune 500 firm, it had revenue of US$16.1bn in fiscal year 2025.
Its teams collaborate with public and private sector clients to produce resilient, innovative and green solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
This includes assuming advisory, design, planning and engineering roles as well as programme and construction management responsibilities.
The firmās current transport projects include the Transport for Londonās Docklands Light Railway in Thamesmead and the Bakerloo Line extension on the Tube, Londonās underground train network.
AECOM's key business partners:
Transport for London
AECOM has worked with TfL since its inception across all transport modes, supporting delivery of major programmes including Crossrail, Cycle Superhighways and the Healthy Streets initiatives. Current engagements include an engineering consultancy framework covering highways, rail, and specialist services, plus ongoing work on DLR Thamesmead and the Bakerloo Line Extension.
Jacobs
In September 2026, an AECOM-Jacobs joint venture was appointed Program Delivery Partner for MetroLink, Ireland's first metro railway, connecting North County Dublin, Dublin Airport, and Dublin city centre. The partnership combines global programme management and metro delivery experience with local knowledge on one of Ireland's largest-ever infrastructure investments.
Arup
In August 2025, AECOM and Arup were appointed to National Highways' Specialist Professional and Technical Services 3 (SPaTS3) framework, worth up to Ā£495m (US$668m) over six years. The consortium provides technical and advisory services supporting the safety and resilience of England's 4,500-mile strategic road network, building on their earlier SPaTS partnership.
Company portals
Executives
Darren Cook
Market Director for Highways & Aviation (UK & Ireland)
Steve Higham
Managing Director, Transportation - Europe and India