WalterFedy and AEC Developments announced on October 1 that the company’s board of directors has appointed Garth Cressman as its new CEO.

The Kitchener-based design firm employs 200 people across two offices. Its other location is in Hamilton. The firm’s expertise includes architecture; mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering; energy and carbon management; asset and facilities management; project management; and construction management through sister company AEC Developments.

Cressman began his career at WalterFedy in the early 2000s. He served for a few years with the firm working in mechanical engineering design before joining a local contractor in 2007. He returned to WalterFedy in 2014.

“So many people invested in my development as a young engineer here,” says Cressman, “I’m honoured to lead the company in developing the next generation of leaders.”

The appointment comes on the heels of the launch of the firm’s strategic plan, nearly a year in the making. 

“As we prepared to launch an ambitious strategy laid out by our board of directors, we recognized the need for an agile leader to fully realize the potential in our goals,” says board chairman Jamie Van Dyk. “We are excited by Garth’s enterprising nature and unshakeable drive which are well-matched to the challenge ahead for WalterFedy and AEC. Garth is and will continue to be a strong ambassador in our community and for the firm.”

“My primary goal is to help us realize our potential,” says Cressman. “In general, we’re well-aligned as an organization, so now we are looking to provide clarity on what makes us special as a firm and in the marketplace.”

Cressman is the company’s ninth CEO. He takes over from Paul Reitzel.