Arup is revamping its board structure, introducing new roles of chief executive and non-executive chair to the business.
Current group chair Jerome Frost will step down as chair and into the newly created chief executive role, with Hilde Tonne, former chief executive of Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett SF, becoming non-executive chair.
Tonne, who has served as a NED on Arup’s board since 2023, was previously executive director at Telenor Group and chief innovation officer at Ramboll Group.
Arup is revamping its board structure, introducing new roles of chief executive and non-executive chair to the business.
Current group chair Jerome Frost will step down as chair and into the newly created chief executive role, with Hilde Tonne, former chief executive of Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett SF, becoming non-executive chair.
Tonne, who has served as a NED on Arup’s board since 2023, was previously executive director at Telenor Group and chief innovation officer at Ramboll Group.
The new board, which takes effect from April 2025, will be tasked with providing oversight of strategy execution, the firm’s performance, compliance and leadership appointments. A new executive management board, to be led by Frost, will be responsible for Arup’s leadership, operations and implementing the strategy.
Frost said: “As a proudly independent, trust-owned firm, we focus entirely on our clients and consistently invest in research and technical expertise. Whether it’s designing more resilient rail infrastructure or using AI to protect people from rising urban heat, our autonomy enables us to deliver the greatest impact for our clients’ projects.”
He added: “I look forward to working closely with Hilde Tonne, whose leadership and experience will significantly enhance our efforts in shaping a better world.”
Tonne said: “Arup is globally renowned for its independent thinking and innovative problem-solving. The company’s commitment to helping clients with decarbonisation, building resilience, and deploying innovative technology solutions significantly enhances the quality of life for people around the world.
“In an era of AI and digital advances, there is immense potential for Arup to play an even greater role in addressing the challenges faced by communities, cities, and countries.”
