Beyond Automation: Rewiring AEC Delivery for the AI Era

Lesley sets and leads AtkinsRéalis’ global digital agenda, advising the Executive team on emerging technology and ensuring technology, data and AI are embedded as core value enablers within strategies and plans — seeking to maximize the opportunities afforded by innovative approaches and digital tools and technology, connecting people, data, and technology to deliver better, more predictable outcomes with and for our clients. As CDO, Lesley translates strategy into measurable outcomes through targeted investment, delivery of priority digital initiatives, and the creation of high‑value partnerships across regions and functions. She is also responsible for implementing a single integrated data strategy that supports the company's ambitions.

As a leading design and project management professional with over 40 years of experience in the AEC industry, Lesley has a track record in senior management on large infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. Her experience includes leadership on major projects and operational management/maintenance contracts; design project management, construction management and operational maintenance management; as well as managing relationships with key stakeholders. Her move into the Global Digital Investment Programme in 2020 was driven by a passion and desire to maximize the opportunities from technology to transform the way the AEC industry delivers outcomes, and she successfully embedded new digital solutions and approaches across the AtkinsRéalis Engineering Services business globally before moving into the Chief Digital Officer role in May 2025.

Lesley recognizes that technology and data are key parts of the solution, but so too are people, culture, contracts and commercial models. She also recognizes that the industry is ripe for disruption and is more passionate than ever about the need to lead the change.