Sarah Wilkes has been appointed managing director of AtkinsRéalis’ secure government business unit for the UK & Ireland, taking over from Andy Finch, who is retiring after 16 years with the company.
Wilkes will lead a team of more than 1,000 people across the two countries, bringing together specialist expertise in defence, security, management consultancy, digital transformation, cyber resilience and secure technology solutions.
“AtkinsRéalis appoints Sarah Wilkes as MD of secure government business, succeeding retiring Andy Finch after 16 years.”
The appointment comes as the company positions itself to meet growing government demand for its services. Chris Ball, president of AtkinsRéalis UK and Ireland, said: “Sarah’s experience leading multidisciplinary consultancy businesses and her record of growing organisations through periods of change, equip her to lead AtkinsRéalis’ work in defence, security and critical national infrastructure as government demand for our expertise continues to grow.”
AtkinsRéalis describes itself as the largest consultancy of its kind in the UK and Ireland, with a “profound role” in supporting government and critical national infrastructure clients. Ball added: “I look forward to working with colleagues and clients to build on what the team has already established and to broadening the ways we bring that expertise into government programmes.”
Wilkes’ predecessor, Andy Finch, leaves after 16 years at the firm. The company has not disclosed further details about his retirement or Wilkes’ start date.