Donald Morrison: A Visionary Leader Transforming Global Organisations with Strategic Growth and Sustainability

In the world of large-scale transformation, infrastructure innovation, and organisational excellence, Donald Morrison stands out as a dynamic and influential C-suite leader. With over 30 years of senior experience across multinational corporations, he has built a distinguished career rooted in strategic growth, sustainability, performance-driven culture, and operational transformation. His professional philosophy revolves around disrupting traditional models and positioning organisations to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.

As the Chief Operating Officer of Arcadis Places, Donald Morrison continues to shape the future of sustainable development, workforce innovation, operational excellence, and societal impact. His journey from a graduate engineer to a global executive exemplifies resilience, visionary leadership, and the ability to deliver long-term value across industries.

Donald Morrison Age

Donald Morrison, born in August 1970, is 55 years old. With over three decades of leadership experience, his age reflects a career shaped by continuous growth, strategic expertise, and a long-standing commitment to transforming global organisations through innovation and sustainability.

Donald Morrison’s Current Role at Arcadis Places

Chief Operating Officer – Arcadis Places

Since June 2025, Donald Morrison has served as the Chief Operating Officer for Arcadis Places, operating from London. In this role, he drives end-to-end operational performance across the business, ensuring excellence in delivery, customer satisfaction, and workforce capability. His responsibilities include aligning strategy with execution, empowering cross-functional teams, and embedding sustainability and innovation into the fabric of the organisation.

Building a Culture of High Performance

As COO, he places a strong emphasis on cultivating an engaged, motivated, and purpose-driven workforce. His leadership approach revolves around empowering employees to exceed expectations, creating collaborative environments, and aligning individual potential with organisational goals.

Donald Morrison’s Strategic Consultancy and Advisory Experience

Founder and Director of Big Sky Consulting Limited

Before joining Arcadis, Donald Morrison founded and led Big Sky Consulting Limited from February 2024 to June 2025. During this period, he supported private equity and credit sectors with M&A due diligence focused on the built environment and infrastructure industry. His consulting expertise strengthened investment decisions, business transformations, and strategic growth planning.

Transformational Programmes and Workforce Development

Through his consultancy, he contributed to major initiatives designed to elevate organisational capabilities. His work involved helping businesses navigate transformation pathways and preparing young people for a sustainable and future-ready workforce. His insights in this sector cemented his reputation as a holistic and forward-thinking business strategist.

Professional Transition and Continuous Development

Strategic Pause and Personal Growth

Between September 2023 and June 2025, Donald Morrison took time away from corporate responsibilities to refocus and pursue collaborative opportunities. This period allowed him to enhance his leadership mindset and prepare for the next step in his career trajectory. Even during this pause, he continued to strengthen his skills in commercial awareness, finance, planning, and strategic problem-solving.

31 Years of Donald Morrison Jacobs

Chief Growth Officer – Driving Global Expansion

At Jacobs, Donald Morrison served as Chief Growth Officer between October 2022 and September 2023. His contributions included:

• Leading global sales strategies and driving revenue growth

• Enhancing market expansion and competitive strength

• Developing enterprise risk management frameworks

• Supporting executive teams in shaping long-term strategic direction

• Strengthening innovation, customer engagement, and commercial outcomes

His impact extended across global operations, positioning the organisation for sustained success.

Senior Vice President & General Manager – People & Places Solutions Europe

From October 2017 to October 2022, he led the European division, overseeing nearly 8,000 employees. His achievements included:

• Significant expansion of the European portfolio

• Successful integration of a 2,000-person acquisition

• Strengthening market penetration and competitive edge

• Implementing operational excellence initiatives

• Delivering consistent revenue and profitability growth

This executive role highlighted his ability to manage complex organisations and deliver large-scale transformation.

Vice President Operations – Sustainable Solutions

Between 2015 and 2017, Donald Morrison directed sustainability-driven business solutions. Leading around 2,200 employees, he focused on:

• Climate change strategies

• Energy efficiency

• Waste and environmental management

• Major infrastructure projects, including nuclear programmes valued at £15–20 billion

• A landmark £200 million land remediation project in Europe

His work elevated Jacobs’ reputation for sustainable engineering and environmental stewardship.

Executive Director of Operations – Leadership and Growth

From 2011 to 2015, his responsibilities spanned commercial performance, operational oversight, and strategic development. He also contributed to high-profile national projects, including nuclear facility developments and significant land restoration initiatives.

Executive Director – Global Sales Leadership

Earlier, between 2008 and 2012, he spearheaded global sales with notable achievements:

• Expanding transportation business across Scotland and Northern Ireland

• Establishing operations in the Middle East

• Strengthening strategic partnerships with major government agencies

This role showcased his abilities in international market growth and cross-cultural leadership.

Early Career – Graduate to Director of Operations

Beginning in 1992 as a graduate engineer with Babtie Group (later acquired by Jacobs), Donald Morrison rose rapidly through the organisation. Key highlights included:

• Leading the complex design and construction of major motorway projects

• Overseeing road infrastructure developments across Ireland

• Managing major public–private partnership contracts

• Demonstrating technical excellence and operational leadership early in his career

Leadership Style and Core Strengths of Donald Morrison

A Visionary and Agile Executive

Throughout his career, Donald Morrison has been recognised for:

• Visionary leadership in sustainability and growth

• Strong financial acumen

• Strategic thinking and market intelligence

• Enterprise risk management expertise

• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement

• Leading large, diverse teams with clarity and integrity

Commitment to People and Culture

He prioritises building positive organisational cultures, encouraging innovation, and supporting employee development. His approach consistently results in stronger performance, higher motivation, and enhanced organisational resilience.

Education and Professional Foundation

Academic Background

• BSc in Civil Engineering, Glasgow Caledonian University (1988–1992)

• Bearsden Academy, secondary education (1982–1988)

His strong academic foundation supported his progression into engineering, infrastructure delivery, and eventually strategic leadership.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Donald Morrison is a transformative global leader whose work continues to influence the fields of infrastructure, sustainability, and multinational organisational performance. His journey reflects dedication, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As COO of Arcadis Places, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable built environments, empowering teams, and redefining what successful organisational culture looks like in a changing world.

FAQs

1. Who is Donald Morrison?

Donald Morrison is a highly experienced C-suite executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in global infrastructure, sustainability, and transformation. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Arcadis Places and previously spent 31 years at Jacobs in senior roles.

2. How old is Donald Morrison?

Donald Morrison was born in August 1970 and is 55 years old. His long career reflects deep expertise in engineering, strategic growth, operational leadership, and sustainable development.

3. What companies has Donald Morrison worked for?

He has held major leadership roles at Arcadis, Jacobs, and Big Sky Consulting Limited. At Jacobs, he served as Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President for People & Places Solutions Europe, among other high-impact positions.

4. What are Donald Morrison’s areas of expertise?

His key strengths include strategic growth, enterprise risk management, sustainability, operational excellence, market expansion, financial performance, M&A due diligence, and leading large multinational teams.

5. What is Donald Morrison’s educational background?

Donald Morrison holds a BSc in Civil Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University and completed his early schooling at Bearsden Academy. His engineering foundation supports his extensive leadership experience in complex global organisations.

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