Global infrastructure engineering firm SMEC has appointed two key senior hires to drive its UK Water, Dams and Hydropower division in London. Brian Darling joins as Chief Technical Principal and Emily Archibald as an Associate Engineer, both bringing a wealth of experience to SMEC at a time of increased industry momentum in the renewables landscape.

Darling joins with more than 30 years’ experience across the water, renewable energy, and environment sectors; drawing on his specialist expertise as a Project Manager and Principal Hydro Engineer at Mott Macdonald, prior to joining SMEC. With an impressive portfolio of projects across Europe, South Asia and Africa, Darling is passionate about the benefits hydropower can bring to remote areas. 

“I have worked on hydropower projects in areas of the world where there has been little economic development. Sensitively designed hydropower projects have a huge positive impact and transformative effect on these remote communities. I am excited to join an internationally recognised company that was born out of the iconic Snowy Hydroelectric Scheme, and which continues to deliver transformative projects today,” he shared. 

SMEC is also welcoming Emily Archibald, who brings a diverse skillset including reservoir projects and a robust background in flood defences, dams, hydropower and water supply projects within UK and Europe. She has over 12 years’ experience in the water sector, with previously held Chartered Civil Engineer and Senior Project Manager positions at Jacobs and Mott MacDonald. 

Archibald is looking forward to the future, “We’re in a unique place right now where there are many opportunities to add value to large, international and industry leading projects which will promote and deliver sustainable energy across the globe.” 

The new roles will expand SMEC’s specialist Dams and Hydropower offering to the UK and Europe, building on the company’s existing global experience and technical expertise.