Global engineering, design and advisory company Aurecon’s Chief Executive Officer William Cox is one of 25 science, technology and engineering leaders elected to one of Australia’s prestigious Learned Academies.

The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) welcomed experts from across research, government and industry as Fellows, including Mr Cox who was recognised as an outstanding leader in the planning, design and project implementation of large and complex infrastructure projects.

Mr Cox was acknowledged for his demonstrated leadership in innovation, workplace gender equality and strong client relations in the delivery of complex projects to the community. He has over a number of years made valuable contributions to external organisations including the University of Technology Sydney, Engineers Australia and Consult Australia and has been recognised by others for these industry, client and community outcomes.

Academy President, Professor Hugh Bradlow, welcomed the new Fellows.

“We bring together Australia’s leading experts in applied science, technology and engineering to provide impartial, practical and evidence-based advice to enable Australia to maintain its position as a leading technology economy.

“The 2019 cohort of new Fellows comprises a remarkable and talented group, who will contribute to helping the Academy fulfil its mission,” said Professor Bradlow.

Aurecon Managing Director of Design, Innovation and Eminence and ATSE Fellow Dr Kourosh Kayvani said Bill’s engineering expertise – demonstrated on a diverse range of projects throughout his career – is truly equalled by his authentic leadership, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and drive for a deep and enduring health and safety culture.

“As a Male Champion of Change, Bill has a deep commitment to achieving gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) and has been instrumental in driving change through championing of gender equality and cultural and racial diversity through Aurecon’s Reconciliation Plan, along with his ambassador role for the Workplace Gender Equality Agency Pay Equality Programme,” Dr Kayvani said.

“Bill’s leadership of Aurecon has seen him implementing change, advocating flexibility, choice, freedom, and fostering excellence and innovation as incredible technologies are changing the way we engineer, design and advise. I whole-heartedly congratulate Bill on this prestigious achievement.”

Twelve of the 25 new Fellows are women – the highest proportion ever and almost matching the Academy’s 2025 diversity target of electing at least 50 per cent women.

The Academy has also announced a Foreign Fellow, an Honorary Fellow and a Fellow elected directly by the Board. For a full list of 2019 Fellows visit here.

The new Fellows will be formally welcomed into the Academy at its Annual General Meeting in Melbourne on 29 November.