MWH, now part of Stantec, a global engineering, consulting and construction firm, has appointed Aklile Gessesse to lead the company’s waterpower and dams group in Ethiopia. Gessesse will serve as operations and commercial manager – Eastern Africa with a focus on water resource, power and dam projects in Ethiopia and Eastern Africa.

MWH, now part of Stantec, a global engineering, consulting and construction firm, has appointed Aklile Gessesse to lead the company’s waterpower and dams group in Ethiopia. Gessesse will serve as operations and commercial manager – Eastern Africa with a focus on water resource, power and dam projects in Ethiopia and Eastern Africa.

“Aklile’s leadership and local experience is a great addition to our team, as we continue delivering infrastructure and energy projects to Ethiopia,” said Mario Finis, leader of the global waterpower and dams group for MWH.  “Eastern Africa has demonstrated a long-term commitment to clean energy solutions.  The addition of Aklile to our team enables us to support our clients through increased leadership and presence in the region.” 

Gessesse brings more than 30 years of experience in engineering projects to the role. As the operations and commercial manager – Eastern Africa, he will focus on strengthening key regional client relationships and exploring new opportunities across Eastern Africa.   

He joins MWH after serving as country representative in Ethiopia for one of the world’s largest full-service design firms, where he led various international development programs. He has a bachelor’s degree in geology from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree in hydrology from the University of Kentucky. He will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.