Arcadis has announced that the Supervisory Board has nominated Heather Polinsky, currently Global President for Resilience and Mobility, as the next CEO and Chair of the Executive Board. This follows a succession planning process in line with international best practice.
She will assume the role on 1 March 2026 with her appointment submitted for shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2026 and will be based in Amsterdam. Alan Brookes will step down as CEO and Chair of the Executive Board on 1 March 2026.
Michiel Lap, Chair of the Supervisory Board, said:
“Arcadis is focused on reinvigorating growth and strengthening its market position, and this is the right moment for new leadership to take those priorities forward as we prepare for the next strategic cycle. As part of the Board’s long-term succession process, Heather has been actively preparing for expanded leadership responsibilities. With a 30-year career spanning senior US and global operational, client development and commercial roles, she brings deep experience and a strong track record of delivery.
“Since 2023, she has led our most profitable business area, Resilience driving sustained growth and margin improvement. The Board has full confidence in her operational expertise, commercial acumen, and proven ability to lead high performing teams.
“We are grateful to Alan for his leadership and for his outstanding contributions as CEO and throughout his 25-year career with us. Under his stewardship, Arcadis has grown stronger, accelerated investments in skills, digital innovation and AI, and is well-positioned for future success.”
Alan Brookes, outgoing CEO, said:
“It has been a privilege to lead Arcadis and to work alongside Arcadians around the world. I am proud of all we have achieved and confident that Arcadis is well set for the future. Heather is an exceptional leader, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition.”
Heather Polinsky, CEO nominee, said:
“I am honored to be nominated as CEO of Arcadis and to succeed Alan in leading the business. My priority is to drive growth, strengthen performance, and accelerate the actions needed to position Arcadis for its next phase of success. My experience across our water, energy, environment, and transport businesses has shown me the strength of our people and the impact we deliver globally. I look forward to working with colleagues worldwide to deliver on our ambitions with pace and focus.”
(Picture: Arcadis)
