David Whysall

I lead our UK infrastructure team and also support our global infrastructure and UK regional leadership teams. My role is focused on helping the UK infrastructure sector become fit to deliver the pipeline it has ahead of it. We’re very proud to be setting up and delivering some of the most exciting infrastructure programmes ever undertaken in the UK. The outcomes will have a major positive impact on the UK, driving economic and social progression as well as sustainability.

I spent a couple of years working within the UK supply chain for a major contractor before joining Turner & Townsend as a graduate in 2004. The majority of my time has been spent within the infrastructure sector. 

I’m passionate about playing my part in driving industry improvement and currently act as co-chair of Constructing Excellence. Before this, I sat on the RICS Infrastructure steering group and chaired G4C. I have been involved in a number of industry improvement initiatives including DfT TIES, the IPA Routemap, Project 13, and some of the CLC’s work, as well as leading studies into major programme performance.

Q. Which project are you most proud of being involved in at Turner & Townsend?

A. Heathrow Terminal 5. To this day I still see it as the most successful delivery model used for a major programme. It put collaboration at the heart of its strategy and stretched talent such that the outcome delivered was amazing. It’s left an amazing legacy for our industry and in the asset that was created. It’s the project I am still proudest to tell my children about. 

Q. How do you contribute to Turner & Townsend making a difference?

A. I try and support our people so they can make a difference to our clients and society every day. We are in a privileged position where we have the ability to influence the outcome of some of the largest programmes ever undertaken in the UK, if not globally. This will positively impact the sector, as well as the UK’s economic and social progression. I also mentor talent across the industry and spend time with school and college children, trying to show them that a career within the built environment can provide unrivalled opportunities. 

 Q. Describe your typical day.

A. I don’t have a typical day, but try my best to get out of the office and visit our clients and teams supporting the delivery of programmes around the UK and Ireland. I have a fantastic team that I work alongside and put a lot of time into looking at how we continue to develop ourselves as a team and bring talent up through the business to serve our growth ambition. I often have early morning meetings and finish the day with client or team events or dinners. I try and balance this with seeing my family.