Atkins reshuffles senior management

Atkins has announced that Tim Askew, currently managing director of the consultancy's Middle East business, is to return to the UK to become managing director of Atkins' UK water and environment business. Askew has a strong background in the water industry, and returns, says Atkins, after a "stunningly successful decade" leading the Middle East business "through phenomenal growth", having "steered it successfully through the region’s recent collapse".

Askew replaces Graham Roberts, who is retiring from the engineering consultancy sector to pursue wider career interests. Askew's replacement as managing director of the Middle East business is Richard Barrett, who has been managing director of the European business for the last three years. Chris Birdsong will take on responsibility for the Atkins' European division in addition to his role as managing director of Management Consultants.

• Atkins news release