Featured image credit: Populous
Populous has detailed a restructuring of its senior management that includes Bruce Miller taking up the role of global chair and CEO.
The global organisational changes at the sport and entertainment architecture and design firm take effect from March 31, with Miller being elevated from his current role as managing director of the Americas region.
Earl Santee, one of the founders of the practice and current CEO and chair of the global board of directors, transitions to executive chairman, remaining on the board. Christopher Lee will assume new roles as vice-chair of the board and global head of design. He will remain as managing director of the EMEA region.
Jonathan Mallie, leader of the firm’s New York office since 2015, becomes managing director of the Americas region. He will continue to serve as a global director of the global holdings board and design lead on key projects.
Richard Breslin will continue to lead the APAC region, shifting from co-managing director to APAC managing director. He joins the board of directors and will continue to serve as a global director of the global holdings board.
Former co-managing director of the APAC region, Paul Henry, steps down from his current co-managing director role, but will remain a key member of the APAC leadership team and global holdings board.
Populous’ regional managing directors will report to Miller as CEO and chair, as will other global leadership roles, which remain unchanged. Commenting on the new appointments, Santee said: “These key strategic global leadership appointments both reflect – and build upon – our success as a leading global design firm.
“For over 40 years our culture of innovation and entrepreneurship has driven us forward, and we now stand at over 1,500 staff across 31 offices around the world, delivering a unique combination of services to our clients. This includes an increased investment in digital transformation of our operational systems, unique design technologies and thoughtful use of artificial intelligence.
“As we move to our next phase of growth, both organically and through potential acquisitions and partnerships, I am confident our new leadership team will continue to drive our fundamental commitment to design excellence around the world.”
It has been a busy start to the year for Populous. RAJ Sports, the sports investment platform for the Bhathal family, owners and operators of Portland Thorns in the NWSL and the new Portland WNBA franchise, last week engaged Populous for a sports performance centre which is envisioned to be the “global epicentre of women’s sport”.
Populous’ involvement in the Portland project comes with the company also designing the new performance centre for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever that was unveiled by Pacers Sports & Entertainment last month.
The University of South Carolina this month selected Populous to design a redevelopment of Williams-Brice Stadium, with the project progressing after receiving state approval.
Italian Serie A football club Como 1907, along with the Municipality of Como and Populous, presented initial concepts for the redevelopment of the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, with the goal of ensuring the venue remains “a vital part of the community”. In the UK, Wrexham AFC unveiled new designs for the redeveloped Kop Stand at the STōk Cae Ras stadium.
The Buffalo Bills last month provided further insight into New Highmark Stadium through the release of a fresh set of renderings showcasing details of the lower bowl and concourse areas with 360° visibility of the field.
On Miller and Lee’s new roles, Santee said: “Bruce Miller is a 36-year veteran of our practice. Having been managing director of our Americas region since 2019, he has overseen consistent growth, expanding the range of services we offer to clients in a period where the practice grew to 11 offices across the US and Canada.
“He has also personally led the design for iconic projects including Allianz Field, Target Field and Geodis Park. There is no one better prepared to take Populous forward.
“Christopher Lee has also driven expansion across geographies and service offerings as managing director of our EMEA region since 2015. As design lead for many of our most influential projects, he is ideally placed to reinforce our commitment to design quality in the new role of global head of design – both for Populous and any future acquisitions. His global experience and perspective will also bring huge benefit in his role as vice-chair of the practice.”
Miller added: “These are exciting times for Populous, and I am proud to take on the role of global CEO and chair. Our commitment to design excellence and innovation is at the heart of everything we do, empowering our designers and project teams around the world to deliver unique and visionary solutions for our clients globally.
“Jonathan Mallie, Christopher Lee and Richard Breslin will provide continued leadership and design inspiration in the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions respectively. I look forward to leading our talented global and regional teams who continue to be the best at designing the places where people love to be together.”
Share this