Mace appoints industry veteran to lead on Defence, Nuclear, Energy and Utilities

Mace, the global consultancy and construction company, has appointed Andy Oldham as its new Business Unit Director for Defence, Nuclear, Energy and Utilities.

Andy is joining Mace’s growing Consult business, where he will be responsible for delivering its ambitious 2026 targets and growth, and completely transforming the way Mace delivers infrastructure projects.

The role was previously head up by Andy Sharples for 13 years, who is now moving into a leadership position at Mace’s client, Sellafield.

Andy Oldham joins from Atkins, bringing 30 years of consultancy experience in global infrastructure programmes.

Having started his career at British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL), Andy was responsible for nuclear operations, going on to lead major decommissioning programmes. He then spent five years in the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) setting up the management and operations contract, the lifetime plan and performance contract for a number of nuclear sites.

At Atkins, he has supported the organisation’s UAE leadership in delivering their ambitions in the nuclear sector, being part of the team helping the UAE to produce 5.6Gw of Carbon free power. Before his experience in the UAE, Andy was a Programme Director at Atkins and worked in collaboration Mace on a number of projects.

Mace’s service offer in Defence, Nuclear, Energy and Utilities has expanded successfully and rapidly, now providing a wide range of fully integrated project and programme management services, alongside construction management and strategic advisory, acting as the trusted delivery partner to the UK’s defence sector and other major public and private sector clients in energy and utilities.

Mace’s teams across these sectors are working with clients to improve and advance infrastructure delivery and advise on critical public services and works of national importance. They drive international growth in developing countries, delivering some of the world's most technically complex programmes of work.

Andy will work together with Mace’s Head of Defence, David Martin, and Mace’s Head of Energy & Utilities, Javid Khaliq and Mark Lamphiere, Country Manager for our Ireland business, to grow the Mace’s service offer, deliver distinctive value and work together with clients in developing sustainable, low carbon delivery solutions.

Jason Millett, CEO for Consult at Mace, said:

“I am excited to welcome Andy Oldham as our new Business Unit Director for Defence, Nuclear, Energy and Utilities, at such a great time for Mace’s Consult business. Having launched our 2026 business strategy, I look forward to having Andy onboard helping us to deliver our growth ambitions, expansion in international markets and unlock innovative approaches to major infrastructure delivery. Defence, energy, nuclear and utilities are key sectors for our Consult service offer, and Andy is in a perfect position to help us grow together.”

Andy Oldham, Business Unit Director for Defence, Nuclear, Energy and Utilities at Mace, said:

“I am delighted to be joining Mace during such an exciting time of growth. I look forward to working with the team to implement the 2026 strategy, redefine the boundaries of ambition and help clients deliver major projects and programmes. Focusing on Mace’s already strong track record in developing low carbon solutions, I will support clients in achieving their own low carbon and decarbonisation goals, pursuing a sustainable world and creating better infrastructure.”