Singapore-headquartered global design, engineering, project and construction management firm, Meinhardt Group, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Uma Maheshwaran Cheyyar Ramanathan as a Global Board Member; CEO overseeing its operations in Africa, Central, and South Asia, as well as the CEO for Meinhardt Planners. This strategic appointment underscores Meinhardt’s commitment to fostering significant growth, significantly strengthening its long-standing business footprint across the Indian sub-continent and capitalising on growth opportunities in emerging markets across Central Asia and Africa where the Group is continuously expanding its presence.
Dr Uma brings with him over two decades of illustrious management and leadership experience, having held several senior roles in the industry in the past, notably as CEO for Jurong Consultants India, and subsequently as CEO for Surbana Jurong’s South and Central Asia operations which included SMEC’s business portfolio in the region following its acquisition. Dr Uma has also served as a global board member of SMEC International Pty Ltd. Dr Uma’s visionary leadership and profound expertise in sustainable urban solutions have been pivotal in shaping the infrastructure landscapes of the regions that he has stewarded.
"Dr Uma’s appointment is a further testament to Meinhardt’s ambitions to further scale up our long-standing presence across South Asia and significantly enhance our footprint across Central Asia and Africa. Dr Uma's proven track record and deep understanding of these markets will greatly enhance our ability to provide innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of these regions. His vision for innovation and sustainability align perfectly with Meinhardt's goals as we continue to deliver sustainable solutions that exceed our clients' expectations across the globe. We are confident that under Dr Uma’s leadership, Meinhardt will continue to set benchmarks for success and innovation in the industry,” said Mr Omar Shahzad, Group CEO of Meinhardt Group.
At Meinhardt, Dr Uma will spearhead efforts to harness growth opportunities in emerging markets across Central Asia and Africa, where the Group is accelerating its expansion. With a robust background in building science and finance, Dr Uma is particularly recognised for integrating sustainability into core business strategies, significantly advancing Meinhardt’s mission to deliver commercially successful and highly buildable urban and infrastructure solutions worldwide.
In his new role, Dr. Uma will also oversee Meinhardt’s urban planning business, pushing the envelope in designing cities and communities that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and resilient. His leadership comes at a crucial time when Meinhardt is embracing digital transformation and innovation to enhance its service offerings across the globe.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr Uma said: “Joining Meinhardt Group is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to transformative projects that define skylines and improve infrastructures in the international arena. I am honoured to be a part of this prestigious organisation which is known for its world-class projects and innovative approach to engineering and urban development. And I am excited to lead our talented teams towards greater innovation, and to deepen our footprint in the dynamic markets of Africa, Central and South Asia. I look forward to building on our success and bringing cutting-edge and sustainable solutions to our clients and communities worldwide.”
Dr Uma’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, including the “Inaugural Young Green Building Individual Award” and an appointment as a Nominated Industry Ambassador for sustainability by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority. These recognitions highlight his commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the industry, aligning seamlessly with Meinhardt’s values and its vision to be the world’s preferred infrastructure and urban solutions partner.
His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a PhD in building science from the National University of Singapore and a masters in Business Administration (Finance) from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune, India. He also holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Architecture from the University of Madras, India.
Meinhardt Group looks forward to a future of continued excellence and innovation in engineering and urban development under Dr Uma's leadership.
