McMillen has expanded its river restoration efforts in Europe with the hiring of Project Manager Ruben Rocha. The addition supports the company’s commitment to improving river connectivity across the continent.
Rocha, originally from Cape Verde, brings extensive experience in dam removal and river restoration. His career began at the National Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, where he focused on ecological and biological dam management. Over time, his work shifted toward removing obsolete dams to support ecosystem health, safety, and fish migration.
Rocha has been involved with several prominent initiatives, including the World Fish Migration Foundation, Dam Removal Europe, Dam Removal Africa, Scaling Up Dam Removal, and WWF Portugal. These programs focus on removing outdated dams that no longer serve a purpose or pose environmental or safety risks.
His new role at McMillen reunites him with Herman Wanningen, founder of World Fish Migration Day and a key figure in river restoration, who joined the company earlier this year as European Market Lead. The two previously collaborated at the World Fish Migration Foundation.
“For me, ecosystems restoration is not just a job, it’s a lifelong passion that started in Cape Verde and has taken me across Europe and Africa,” Rocha said. “Every river restoration is a step toward healthier ecosystems, thriving fish populations, and resilient communities, in a fast-changing world. At McMillen, I’m excited to work alongside dedicated experts to restore free-flowing rivers and create a future where nature and people flourish together.”
McMillen is an employee-owned engineering, environmental, and construction firm specializing in water resources. The company works across sectors including dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure, aiming to balance environmental needs with those of the communities it serves.
