JUDGES

Mehdi Alhaddad is a Chartered Engineer with over 15 years of multidisciplinary experience across the civil infrastructure sector. His career spans client-side leadership, design consultancy, and on-site delivery for some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile infrastructure projects. He has also led projects in research environments, namely in Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC) during his PhD research, introducing new technological solutions into geotechnical practices.

Mehdi currently works at TfL’s Earth Structures and Geotechnical Team leading infrastructure design and asset resilience strategies, ensuring the safety and sustainability of critical underground systems. Mehdi’s employment history is Arup, Crossrail, CSIC and TfL.

Caroline Anderson has had the pleasure of leading the RSK Geosciences team in Southampton for five years where they manage ground investigation and environmental consultancy across a broad range of clients and sectors.  Prior to that her career took her into the complexities of ground movement assessments and basement impact assessments in London as part of the ground investigations she managed there.  Her career began in the piling sector, managing deep foundation and retaining wall design and construction, which gave her the tools required to grow her understanding of geotechnical engineering and project management.

Leah is the team lead for geophysics and metocean disciplines at RWE Renewables UK, and has 16 years’ experience in offshore renewables, focussing on offshore wind. Previously working for a well-known site investigation contractor, Leah has worked on over 100 potential offshore wind projects across several geo-disciplines including engineering geology, geotechnics, ground modelling, and geohazards, but keeps coming back to geophysics.

Laura Bacon is a Chartered Geologist with over 20 years’ experience delivering complex geotechnical and geo-environmental projects across the UK. Her work spans major infrastructure, commercial, industrial, and residential developments, including high-profile sites such as HS2, former London landfill and gasworks redevelopments, and quay wall construction at Teesworks.

Tony is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in the Ground Engineering & Tunnelling Practice of AtkinsRéalis. His interests in geotechnics is value engineering during design and construction, and geotechnical asset management. He has been fortunate to work across the full project lifecycle and across different markets, primarily in transportation, water, and nuclear. Tony is currently seconded to Sizewell C’s Site Engineering Team as a Senior Project Engineer, working across both the Civils and Site Delivery programmes, offering his support to the fantastic multi-discipline team. Beyond work, he mentors trainees seeking professional registration with the ICE and is the BGA’s Honorary Treasurer.

Kate has over 20 years’ experience in the ground investigation industry.  She has a broad experience in all aspects of contracting GI from managing ground investigations to tendering and contractual management to operational leadership.  Currently overseeing Structural Soils’ drilling services, Kate has ultimate responsibility for the department’s operations including capacity, capability, efficiency, safety and finances.

Siobhán has 19 years of experience working in the field of ground engineering, geotechnics and reservoir engineering. She started her career within the geotechnical team at British Waterways before carrying out roles in concept design, solution development and design management. She returned to lead the geotechnical function in 2018 at Canal and River Trust and her current role is Principal Engineer in the Trusts reservoir function. Siobhán is also qualified as a reservoir supervising engineer under the Reservoirs Act and currently manages geotechnical challenges across the Trusts portfolio of large-raised reservoirs.

With over 20 years of experience as an engineering geologist, I specialised in Instrumentation and Monitoring, combining deep technical expertise with hands-on field execution. My carrier spans site engineering, installation, data collection, and reporting, supported by extensive work as a consultant and technical sales specialist. I bring a strong understanding of both operational and client-facing demands. For the last three years, I have led the Instrumentation and Monitoring department at BAM UK & Ireland, managing teams, delivering complex monitoring solutions, and driving high-quality project outcomes

Burden holds a PhD and has over 20 years of experience in geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering work, both consultants and contractors in the UK and internationally. His breadth of experience includes building foundations, ground engineering for marine works, flood defences, oil and gas infrastructure, highways and airports. His experience specifically covers soft ground engineering, piled foundations, slope stability assessments, retaining and quay wall designs, geotechnical forensic assessments, earthworks, ground improvement and other geotechnical aspects, including finite element modelling, data interpretation of ground investigations and production of reports, and observational monitoring of geotechnical works.

"A Chartered, MSc qualified, UK Registered Ground Engineering Regional Director with 23 years industry experience. Ground Engineering North Lead, with responsibility for 75 staff across 8 offices. Responsible for management of regional workload, recruitment & retention, people development, business development and the technical management and delivery of both routine & complex ground engineering schemes. Significant experience of ground engineering design including analysis, reporting, specification and asset inspection, with extensive construction supervision experience and a proven track record of providing ground engineering input into large multi-disciplinary projects across the highways, water, infrastructure and nuclear sectors. Focused on delivering practical solutions which recognise and mitigate ground risk."

Mark has over 35 years' experience in the industry specialising in building and civil engineering. Mark has worked for a diverse range of consultants and contractors, both in the UK and overseas, and has been exposed to a broad range of projects and sectors. Prior to joining CGL as Director for the London Office, Mark was Head of Engineering at Galliford Try where he developed expertise in deep basements and asset protection, coupling innovative construction techniques and pragmatic cost-effective temporary works solutions. These skills have been further developed since joining CGL in 2015, where he is responsible for providing specialist advice on temporary works and excavation strategies for a variety of clients. Mark is a leader in his field and has been invited on several occasions, to be a guest speaker at the Ground Engineering Basements and Underground Structures conferences. Additionally, Mark regularly judges the Ground Engineering Awards.

Dr Mark Edmondson has over 25 years’ industry experience and is the lead geotechnical engineer of Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB). MMB is a fully integrated design and build company harnessing the design expertise of Mott MacDonald and construction experience of J N Bentley. MMB recently celebrated 25 years of partnership operating predominantly in the UK water sector delivering major capital investment for nine of the country’s largest water companies. Mark also holds the role of regional practice lead for geotechnics instilling and enhancing technical excellence in the field of ground engineering across MMB.

Gary is a Chartered Civil Engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers. He is an experienced instrumentation and monitoring professional, specialising in geotechnics. He completed an MSc at Imperial College in Soil Mechanics and a BSc at UEL in Civil Engineering and Surveying. He has a NEBOSH Diploma in Health and Safety. He has served as a co-opted member of the BGA Executive Committee and was the Co-chair of the BGA Early Careers Group. He is also an active mentor to undergraduates and postgraduates at University of East London and the Ground Forum Undergraduate Mentoring Programme.

Helen was appointed as Head of Proposals for Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering in 2023. With over 20 years’ experience spanning operations, estimating and design across commercial, residential, aviation, energy and government sectors, Helen brings hands on expertise to the frontend development of complex piling schemes. As a proactive sustainability leader, Helen works closely with clients, designers and the supply chain to reduce carbon and support Net Zero ambitions. She combines strong bid leadership with technical rigour and trusted client engagement – bridging commercial priorities with safe, practical delivery to help our teams achieve success on large and complex programmes. 

Andrea Grossey is an Associate Director within RSK’s Geosciences division with over 20 years’ experience delivering ground investigations across Southeast England. She manages projects from feasibility to delivery, ensuring technical excellence, clear communication and strong client engagement. Her work spans ground engineering, environmental assessment and materials re use, with recent emphasis on designing and supporting ground investigation for London commercial redevelopment and foundation reuse strategies that reduce carbon and support long term sustainability. Based in RSK’s Hemel Hempstead office, Andrea leads a dedicated investigation team, fostering a collaborative culture focused on professional development, high quality outputs and advancing sustainable best practice.

Bhagi Hegde is a Chartered Civil Engineer (CEng MICE) with 24 years of experience in geotechnical engineering for major infrastructure and civil engineering projects, including retaining walls, earthworks, ground improvement, and foundations. At JBA Consulting, Bhagi is Technical Director leading team in the south of UK and including supporting projects in Wales. She is the Geotechnical Lead on several flood and coastal risk management schemes, working for the Environment Agency, National Trust and County Council clients.

Hollie is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer with 9 years of experience in the industry, having joined BAM Ground Engineering full time in 2018. She has experience in delivering an array of techniques, including soil nailing, rock bolts, pressure grouting, spray concrete, and slope stabilisation schemes across the UK.

James Houghton is the Canal and River Trust’s Principal Geotechnical Engineer. A Chartered Geologist, he has 25 years’ experience working on civil engineering projects in the UK, Australia and Papua New Guinea. In his current role he leads the Trust’s national geotechnical team, providing geotechnical support to project delivery and asset management.

As a Fellow of the ICE with over 25 years of experience, I have successfully led and managed large-scale engineering projects in the construction industry. My expertise lies in overseeing complex projects from conception to completion. I am passionate about delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of diverse stakeholders and contribute to the growth and development of the communities we serve.

Stuart has spent much of his career within the geotechnical contracting industry, with experience spanning operational delivery, design and pre‑construction. He brings a practical, delivery‑focused perspective to geotechnical design and construction, centred on maximising efficiency and reducing waste. Stuart is passionate about innovation, risk management, neurodiversity and collaboration, and about creating inclusive environments that enable safe and sustainable outcomes for all.

Dr Omid Khalaj is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Costain with more than 20 years of experience in onshore, nearshore, and offshore geotechnical engineering. His expertise includes ground investigation management, geotechnical interpretation, foundation design support, and geotechnical risk assessment for major infrastructure and energy developments. Omid has led multidisciplinary geotechnical teams on complex projects including pipelines, highways, railways, airport infrastructure, and major energy and water sector schemes across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. In addition to strong technical expertise, he brings significant consultancy and commercial experience in project delivery, stakeholder coordination, and engineering management. He holds PhDs in Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering and Mechanical/Materials Engineering and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng MICE).

Dr Yiyan Liu is the Geotechnical Data Manager at HS2 Ltd. With a background in computer vision–based structural health monitoring, he now leads the assurance, validation, and curation of geotechnical data, including ground investigation, earthworks construction, and ground movement compliance data. A key focus of his work is route-wide 3D ground modelling using advanced learning-based methods.

Matthew is currently the lead geotechnical engineer in Leeds for BWB. His 15-year career in consultancy has involved design work in the built environment, on rail, highways and flood infrastructure projects, landslide remediation. He is very interested in the application of digital modelling to geotechnical engineering solutions and is currently focussed on automated interpretation of large geotechnical data sets.

With over sixteen years of leadership in geotechnical and foundation engineering, David Major brings a distinguished blend of technical depth, commercial acumen and sector‑wide influence. His experience spans major commercial, residential, infrastructure and marine projects, consistently securing complex, high‑value work through collaborative, best‑for‑project solutions. Known for an inclusive leadership style, he builds strong client and stakeholder relationships while shaping design, managing risk and maximising early‑stage value. A recognised industry advocate, he founded the FPS Early Careers Group and mentors emerging talent. He combines practical know‑how with a people‑first mindset, always aiming to make a meaningful, positive impact.

Client Lead for worldwide offshore and onshore large scale Geotechnical investigations, including specification, tender preparation, Tender return review, award of contracts and Project Management of ongoing investigations.

David Mumford is a Chartered Civil Engineer with more than 15 years of geotechnical design and consultancy experience. As Technical Director and Practice Lead for OTB’s Ground Engineering team, he provides technical leadership, strategic direction, and hands on expertise in developing practical and creative geotechnical solutions that deliver value at every stage of the project lifecycle. David is also an ICE Mentor and leads OTB’s Graduate Training Programme, helping to equip the next generation of engineers with the technical skills, industry insight, and practical experience needed to excel.

Jonny is a Chartered Engineering Geologist with 12 years’ experience and a specialism in design management and information management. He has experience on working on small and large-scale UK infrastructure projects (with a focus in the transportation sector) and has most recently championed new solutions to improve the flow of data through the geotechnical lifecycle on major projects, such as High Speed Two Phase 1 N1N2.

Tim is an engineering geophysicist with 25 years’ experience as both a contractor and consultant.  He has worked on six continents using a wide variety of techniques in near surface geophysics. Tim has a strong focus on the user experience in geophysics and is an advocate of improving earth science communication skills within the industry.

Mark has 34 years experience in the geotechnical sector.  Following a seven year period working for a Consulting Engineer and also becoming Chartered, Mark has spent the rest of his career working for piling contractors.  Mark has spent the last twenty years with Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering, the last ten of these as Technical Director.  Mark specialises in foundation solution design and risk management for large infrastructure, building, aviation and energy projects. Mark has been involved in the foundation solutions for the following projects : The Shard, Heathrow T2B, University College London Hospital, DLR extension from Canning Town to Woolwich Arsenal, HS2 Area North, Sizewell C, M74 and the M25 Widening.

Helen Richmond is a Technical Director in the Geotech and Tunnelling team within WSP. She is a chartered geologist with over 30 years experience in industry. Her experience includes site roles as Designer’s Representative and Quality Control Consultant on major Design and Build projects; Ground Specialist/Engineer’s Representative for numerous ground investigations; and Geotechnical Advisor for various highways schemes.

Carrie has  20+ years of experience in the land condition sector and a broad range of contaminated land management experience. She is a registered  SiLC, SQP (NQMS), QP (DoW CoP), CEnv, CSci, CWEM and FCIWEM.  Carrie is  on the SiLC Professional Technical Panel and the steering group of the north east contaminated land forum.

Nader Saffari is a chartered geotechnical engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He has over 40 years’ experience in civil and geotechnical engineering working on design and construction of a wide range of major projects both in the UK and overseas. Over the last 23 years he has been working on the management of London Underground Earth Structures and he is currently accountable as the Profession Head for engineering standard and performance of earth structures on LU network as well as the Head of Geotechnical Engineering for Transport for London where he manages a team of geotechnical engineers providing specialist geotechnical services on a variety of major projects.

Hilary Shields is an Associate Specialist Director at Tony Gee. Her role involves design management and geotechnical analysis of retaining walls, basement design, piled and shallow foundations, including foundation re-use, earthworks, preparation of specifications for ground investigation and piling works, geotechnical reports, providing design checking, review and construction supervision. Her role includes in-house professional and technical training of early profession geotechnical engineers. Her experience includes seven years in research in Geotechnics at BRE. She is a member of two AGS working groups and DFI Committee on Foundation Reuse.

Jo is a chartered civil engineer and environmentalist with over thirty-five years of experience. She now works as Jo Strange Consulting offering specialist geo-environmental and waste/ material management services to the development/construction industry and especially ‘brownfield’ projects. She is a registered QP/SQP with CL:AIRE. Her goal is to provide technically correct, commercially acceptable, practical, cost effective and sustainable, integrated solutions to ground/contamination and waste/material resource related problems .Jo has acted as an Expert Witness. Jo is an SCE and Reviewer for the ICE and a STEM Ambassador. She is also the current Chair of the AGS Loss Prevention Working Group.

Maria Stratigaki is a Senior Associate Director of Ground Engineering at Jacobs, currently seconded to Sizewell C as Geotechnical Lead and subject‑matter expert. Acting as an Intelligent Client within the Civil Works Programme, she manages geotechnical risk, sets and assures technical requirements, and oversees both onshore and offshore ground investigations. Maria leads the development of design parameters, digital ground models, and technical governance across complex interfaces including nuclear island, marine works, tunnelling, and major earthworks. With over 20 years’ experience, she brings technical leadership and strategic insight to one of the UK’s most significant low‑carbon infrastructure programmes.

Guy is an accomplished Engineering Geologist with over 15 years of experience specialising in geotechnics for linear infrastructure and geophysical hazards. His expertise spans both contracting and design consultancy roles. Since joining National Highways in 2020, Guy has served as the Geotechnical Engineering Team Manager for the South-West region, where he leads one of the largest geotechnical asset portfolios on the strategic road network. In this role, he focuses on driving innovation and enhancing geotechnical asset management practices on behalf of National Highways and through the Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum.

Francesca is an Associate Engineering Geologist for AtkinsRéalis. She’s worked in ground engineering for over 19 years, specialising in ground investigation and ground characterisation. Francesca is currently leading a prestigious data management project, looking to introduce innovation to create efficiency and accuracy.  She is one of Ground Engineering Magazine’s Top 20 Women in Ground Engineering 2026 and sits on the magazine’s editorial advisory board on behalf on the Engineering Group of Geological Society. She’s held a role on the EGGS committee for over 13 years and is additionally a mentor for chartership (CGeol) and Health, Safety and Wellbeing lead within ground engineering and tunnelling for AtkinsRéalis. 

Dr Tze Yee Yap is a Chartered Engineer with 25 years of experience in managing and designing a wide range of geotechnical structures, such as cut-and-cover structures, shallow and pile foundations, ground improvement schemes, embankments, and cut slopes. He also specialized in the application of Finite Element Method (FEM). Tze Yee has worked across the UK, Singapore, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong.