Global consulting engineering firm Steensen Varming has appointed Gráinne McCormack as its new Chief Executive Officer – a pivotal move that marks her return to the company as it enters its 100th anniversary decade.
Effective 1 March 2025, Gráinne will lead Steensen Varming into its next phase of growth and innovation, building on its 91-year legacy of delivering integrated solutions that are intelligent, valuable, and elegant to purposeful projects, from small retrofits to iconic, ambitious developments.
Having previously spent 10 years with the firm, which specialises in mechanical and electrical engineering, lighting, and sustainable design, Gráinne was instrumental in shaping its unique ‘one studio’ approach, uniting the expertise across its global offices to provide clients with the most advanced engineering solutions, regardless of location.
“I am honoured to return to Steensen Varming as CEO – a firm whose values and legacy have shaped both my professional and personal journey,” says Gráinne. “In these challenging times of growing ESG scrutiny and financial pressures, our people will lead the way. Together, we’ll deliver the innovative, sustainable, and purpose-driven solutions our clients need to achieve their social, net-zero, and decarbonisation goals, navigating this evolving landscape with integrity and excellence.”
Steensen Varming’s leadership transition is the culmination of years of strategic succession planning led by outgoing CEO Dan Mackenzie and Executive Director Chris Arkins, designed to uphold its founding principles while addressing the future needs of its clients and the wider industry. Dan will continue with Steensen Varming as Chair of the Board, supporting Gráinne in continuing the firm’s success and award-winning design solutions.
“Succession is a responsibility we take seriously,” says Dan. “Gráinne’s appointment reflects years of deliberate planning to ensure our future leadership embodies the DNA of Steensen Varming – our design excellence, creativity, and collaborative client focus. Gráinne will now be part of that dynasty and has the vision, experience, and expertise to lead us into an exciting era of opportunities as we move towards our 100th year and beyond.”
Renowned worldwide for understanding fundamental project needs to deliver meaningful impact, Steensen Varming is behind some of the world’s most visionary engineering solutions.
As well as iconic legacy projects such as the Sydney Opera House, current projects include the redevelopment of Scott Base in Antarctica – a critical scientific research hub in one of the world’s most extreme environments; the Wilya Janta housing project in Australia’s Northern Territory to create a scalable, culturally sensitive, and sustainable home design for Indigenous communities; and the ongoing decarbonisation of the British Museum – an ambitious project to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability across the museum’s operations.
Chris Arkins, Executive Director at Steensen Varming, says: “Gráinne’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for Steensen Varming. Her integrity and creativity ensure we will continue to create positive environments through projects that challenge convention and deliver real-world impact, from large-scale landmark works to smaller, community-focused initiatives. I am excited to welcome her back.”
