Engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell has named Rashmi Menon as its first Chief People Officer. The 100 per cent employee-owned business created the new executive role to lead several internal operations. These divisions include Human Resources, Community Impact, Corporate Communications, Events & Programs, alongside People Change Management.
Menon transitions to the role with more than 25 years of experience managing large-scale infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives across North America. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in construction management. Since joining the US-based firm in 2020, she has operated as vice president and general manager of the California Region. In that capacity, she directed over 300 professionals delivering infrastructure solutions across the aviation, energy, environmental, industrial, municipal and technology consulting sectors.
During her time in California, Menon also served as the executive sponsor for the national Asian and Pacific Islanders Employee Resource Group at the firm. Her regional team raised nearly 320,000 dollars for charities focused on education, health care, workforce development and community advancement. Outside the company, she sits on the board of directors and the executive committee for the California Chamber of Commerce. She has additionally held leadership roles with the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Industry & Commerce Association and the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
The executive transition will take place this summer. Vice president Pablo Lorenzo will succeed Menon as the new general manager for the California Region. Lorenzo has taken on increased leadership duties since he joined the engineering firm in 2018.
Leslie M. Duke, chair and CEO of Burns & McDonnell, said: “We deliver resilient and efficient projects through commitment, trust and innovation — and, most importantly, through our people. Rashmi is an exceptional leader who combines strong business acumen with a deep commitment to developing and empowering others. Throughout her career, she has built high-performing teams and inspired those around her to achieve their highest potential.”
Menon said: “Burns & McDonnell’s greatest strength has always been its people. I am honored to step into this role and partner with teams across the globe who are dedicated to helping our employee-owners thrive. Together, we will continue helping our employee-owners feel empowered to do high-quality work while delivering exceptional results for our clients and communities.”
