Show lessTurner & Townsend appoints former Royal Mail chief to lead transformation and AI strategy

Turner & Townsend has appointed former Royal Mail chief executive Emma Gilthorpe to a newly created senior leadership role focused on transformation, technology and future growth.

Gilthorpe joins the consultancy as Chief Transformation Officer, where she will oversee global transformation initiatives, including the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies across the business.

The appointment forms part of Turner & Townsend’s wider ambition to strengthen its position as a leading global programme management consultancy, while accelerating growth and improving operational capability.

Before joining the company, Gilthorpe served as Chief Executive of Royal Mail and previously spent nearly 15 years in senior executive roles at Heathrow Airport, where she played a key role in major operational and infrastructure transformation programmes.

Turner & Townsend said her experience leading large-scale change across complex organisations would be valuable as the business continues supporting clients on major infrastructure and development programmes worldwide.

Chief Operating Officer David Whysall described Gilthorpe as one of the sector’s most experienced transformation leaders, highlighting her track record in delivering organisational change across multiple industries.

He added that her involvement in Heathrow’s evolution into a globally recognised infrastructure operator aligns closely with the consultancy’s focus on supporting clients delivering increasingly complex programmes.

Gilthorpe said she was excited to join the business at an important stage in its growth journey, adding that she had previously experienced Turner & Townsend’s work first-hand while working as a client at Heathrow Airport.

Her appointment also reflects a growing trend across the infrastructure and professional services sectors, with organisations increasingly investing in senior leadership roles focused on digital transformation, AI adoption and operational innovation.

As major projects become more data-driven and technologically advanced, companies are placing greater emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence, automation and digital systems into project delivery and business operations.

Turner & Townsend has continued to expand its global footprint in recent years, supporting major programmes across infrastructure, transport, energy, defence and real estate markets.