AECOM Appoints Dwight Pullen to Lead Global Transportation Business
AECOM has appointed infrastructure industry veteran Dwight Pullen as its new Transportation Global Business Line Chief Executive, strengthening the leadership of its worldwide transportation operations. The appointment, effective immediately, comes as the company looks to capitalize on growing infrastructure investment and an expanding pipeline of transportation projects across several major international markets.
The announcement was made in Dallas by AECOM a global infrastructure consulting and professional services firm. In his new position, Pullen will oversee the company’s global Transportation business, which is ranked No. 1 by Engineering News-Record.
His appointment comes at a time when transportation infrastructure continues to play an important role in economic development, urban mobility, international trade and regional connectivity. Governments and private-sector organizations are investing in transportation networks to improve capacity, modernize aging infrastructure, strengthen operational efficiency and meet changing mobility requirements.
AECOM expects its Transportation business to benefit from a growing pipeline of projects worldwide, with particularly strong growth opportunities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Pullen’s experience across aviation, surface transportation and major infrastructure programs is expected to support the company’s efforts to serve clients and pursue opportunities in these markets.
Dwight Pullen Takes Charge of AECOM’s Global Transportation Operations
As Transportation Global Business Line Chief Executive, Pullen will be responsible for leading AECOM’s global Transportation business and bringing together its technical expertise, workforce and international capabilities to address complex infrastructure challenges.The role places him at the center of the company’s transportation strategy, which encompasses a broad range of infrastructure services and projects. AECOM works with public- and private-sector clients on transportation-related assignments that require expertise in planning, design, engineering, advisory services, program management and construction management.
Pullen will assume responsibility for guiding the business as it responds to evolving client priorities and seeks to expand its presence in markets with significant infrastructure development potential.
The company’s anticipated growth opportunities in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand provide an important backdrop to the leadership transition. These markets represent areas where transportation infrastructure investment and modernization programs can create demand for specialized engineering and professional services.With more than three decades of experience in the transportation industry, Pullen brings knowledge of major infrastructure program delivery alongside experience in senior leadership positions. His background includes responsibilities across aviation and surface transportation, giving him exposure to different segments of the wider transportation sector.
AECOM Highlights Leadership and Innovation Priorities
Lara Poloni, president of AECOM, welcomed Pullen’s appointment and emphasized his leadership capabilities, technical understanding and commitment to improving project delivery.According to Poloni, Pullen understands how to bring together people, technical expertise and global resources to address clients’ most complex challenges. She also highlighted his innovative approach and focus on evolving the company’s working methods and delivery capabilities.
AECOM believes these qualities will help strengthen its existing transportation business and create additional value for clients.The appointment reflects the importance of leadership in managing a global infrastructure business that operates across multiple markets and project types. Transportation programs can involve extensive planning, coordination among stakeholders, complex engineering requirements and long-term investment commitments. Delivering these projects effectively requires organizations to combine technical knowledge with commercial discipline, collaboration and a clear understanding of client objectives.
By placing Pullen at the head of its global Transportation business, AECOM aims to build on its established capabilities while continuing to adapt its services to changing market conditions.Innovation will also remain an important consideration as transportation systems evolve. Infrastructure owners and operators increasingly require solutions that improve asset performance, support sustainability objectives, enhance network resilience and accommodate future demand. Professional services firms must therefore maintain strong technical capabilities while adapting to the specific needs of different clients and regions.
More Than 30 Years of Transportation Industry Experience
Pullen brings more than 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, covering major infrastructure program delivery and global business leadership.He joined AECOM in 2022, initially taking responsibility for the company’s aviation business. His responsibilities subsequently expanded to include surface transportation, broadening his involvement across two important areas of the global transportation market.
During his time with AECOM, Pullen has worked within a business that supports infrastructure development through professional services spanning multiple stages of the project lifecycle. His experience across aviation and surface transportation provides a foundation for leading a global operation serving clients with varied infrastructure requirements.Before joining AECOM, Pullen held senior leadership positions across the infrastructure industry. He also led the delivery of major transportation programs around the world, giving him experience in managing large-scale projects and working within complex infrastructure environments.
This combination of industry experience and leadership responsibilities is relevant to his new role, which requires oversight of transportation operations across international markets and coordination of resources to support a diverse project pipeline.Major transportation infrastructure programs often involve numerous stakeholders, extensive technical requirements and long implementation timelines. Leaders responsible for these programs must understand the operational and strategic demands of infrastructure delivery while ensuring that teams remain aligned with client expectations.
Pullen’s professional background positions him to draw on his previous responsibilities as AECOM continues developing its transportation portfolio.
Aviation and Surface Transportation Form Key Parts of His Background
Pullen’s experience leading AECOM’s aviation business and later assuming responsibility for surface transportation provides a broad perspective on the infrastructure sector.Aviation infrastructure supports passenger travel, cargo movement and international connectivity. Airports and related facilities require coordinated planning and engineering to accommodate changing traffic levels, improve passenger experiences and maintain efficient operations.
Surface transportation encompasses infrastructure and systems that facilitate movement across land, including road and rail networks and associated transportation facilities. These systems are essential to regional connectivity, commuting, freight distribution and economic activity.Although aviation and surface transportation have distinct operational requirements, both depend on reliable infrastructure planning, engineering expertise and effective project management.
AECOM’s wider transportation business brings together capabilities that can support clients across different transportation environments. Under Pullen’s leadership, the company will continue pursuing opportunities in its global markets while drawing on its technical capabilities and international experience.His appointment does not include an announced change to the company’s overall service portfolio. Rather, it places an experienced transportation executive in charge of the global business line as AECOM looks to advance its existing operations and respond to additional project opportunities.
Growth Prospects Across Major International Markets
AECOM has identified the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand as markets with particularly strong growth prospects for its Transportation business.
These countries are important markets for transportation infrastructure services, including the development, improvement and management of networks that support passenger and freight movement.In the United States and Canada, transportation infrastructure plays a central role in connecting major cities, industrial centers, ports and logistics hubs. Investment in transportation assets can support economic activity, improve connectivity and address capacity requirements across extensive networks.
The United Kingdom also has significant transportation infrastructure needs involving established road and rail networks, urban mobility systems and connections between communities and economic centers.In Australia and New Zealand, transportation infrastructure supports geographically dispersed populations, regional economies and domestic and international supply chains. Planning and engineering services are important to the development and modernization of these networks.
AECOM’s stated growth outlook suggests that the company sees opportunities to expand its transportation activities across these markets. However, the announcement does not identify specific new contracts, project values or financial targets associated with Pullen’s appointment.His immediate priority will be to lead the global business as the company pursues its broader pipeline of transportation projects and seeks to deliver value to clients.
Russell Jackson to Continue Leading Global Rail and Transit Activities
Pullen succeeds Russell Jackson, who served as interim chief executive of AECOM’s Transportation global business line.Jackson will continue with the company as its Global Rail and Transit Director. AECOM acknowledged his leadership during the interim period and expressed its appreciation for his contribution.
The transition establishes Pullen as the executive responsible for the overall global Transportation business while Jackson retains a leadership role focused on rail and transit.Rail and public transit infrastructure remain important components of the transportation sector. These systems connect communities, support urban and regional mobility, and provide alternatives to private road travel. Their development and modernization can involve complex engineering, planning, asset management and construction requirements.Jackson’s continued position as Global Rail and Transit Director allows him to maintain a dedicated focus on these areas within AECOM’s wider transportation operations.The company did not announce any additional organizational changes or provide further details about the transition beyond the new leadership appointments and responsibilities.
AECOM’s Role in Global Infrastructure Development
AECOM describes itself as a global infrastructure leader committed to delivering solutions for complex challenges across water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings.The company serves public- and private-sector clients through a range of professional services. These include advisory services, planning, design, engineering, program management and construction management, supporting projects throughout their lifecycle.
Its work is intended to help clients develop infrastructure that is innovative, sustainable and resilient. These objectives are increasingly relevant as infrastructure owners address changing demand, environmental considerations, technological developments and the need to maintain reliable public services.Transportation is one of the company’s core business areas, bringing together services that support the planning and development of infrastructure used by passengers, freight operators and communities.
As transportation networks face evolving requirements, engineering and consulting firms play an important role in helping clients evaluate infrastructure needs, develop projects and manage implementation. The ability to coordinate technical expertise across regions and disciplines is particularly relevant to companies operating on a global scale.AECOM’s appointment of Pullen provides new leadership for this business as the company seeks to build on its existing position in the international transportation market.
Financial Position and Company Overview
AECOM is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ACM. The company reported revenue of $16.1 billion for fiscal year 2025 and is a Fortune 500 firm.Its operations span multiple infrastructure sectors, including transportation, water, environmental services, energy and buildings. The company works with government agencies, public institutions and private organizations on projects requiring professional expertise throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.
Its multidisciplinary approach allows it to provide services ranging from early-stage planning and advisory work to design, engineering and program and construction management.The company’s transportation leadership appointment comes as it pursues opportunities across several international markets. With Pullen assuming responsibility for the global business, AECOM will continue working to align its workforce and technical capabilities with client requirements and its anticipated project pipeline.
Leadership Appointment Supports AECOM’s Transportation Strategy
Pullen’s appointment represents a significant leadership development for AECOM’s global Transportation business. His more than 30 years of industry experience, including senior infrastructure leadership responsibilities and oversight of aviation and surface transportation activities, provide a foundation for his new role.The company expects to build on its established transportation capabilities while pursuing growth opportunities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
With Poloni emphasizing leadership, innovation and the effective use of global technical resources, AECOM has outlined a continued focus on meeting complex client needs and improving the value delivered through its services.Pullen’s appointment is effective immediately. He succeeds Jackson, who will continue contributing to the company as Global Rail and Transit Director.
As AECOM advances its transportation strategy, its global business will remain focused on serving infrastructure clients and pursuing projects across international markets. The leadership transition places Pullen in charge of these efforts as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the transportation infrastructure industry.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure professional services firm committed to delivering a better world. The company helps public- and private-sector clients address complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings.
Its services cover the infrastructure project lifecycle, including advisory, planning, design, engineering, program management and construction management. AECOM works to deliver innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions and reported revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.