Bob Pragada has assumed the role of chief executive of US engineer Jacobs, succeeding Steve Demetriou in the role. The appointment was first announced in September 2022.
Pragada previously worked as Jacobs’ president and chief operating officer, and his assumption of his new job coincides with the company’s annual shareholder meeting.
Pragada will focus on Jacobs’ role in areas such as water infrastructure, environmental resiliency, energy transition, electric vehicles, life sciences and semiconductor manufacturing.
He joined Jacobs in 2006 and held senior management positions over a period of nine years. In 2016, he was named president of its buildings and infrastructure, and global industrial businesses. In 2019, he was appointed Jacobs’ president and chief operations officer.
Pragada is a graduate of Stanford University, where he earned a master of science degree in engineering and management.
Demetriou will continue his role as executive chair for a minimum of two years, as well as being a board member of subsidiary PA Consulting.
Pragada said: “It is an exciting time for Jacobs. Concentrating our strategy accelerators around climate response, data solutions, and consulting and advisory services, we’re anticipating the global trends most important to our clients to develop differentiated, data-enabled solutions that meet their needs.
“I am honoured to take on the role of chief executive and advance the compelling work under way to further diversify our capabilities and offerings, increasing opportunities and value for our people, our clients and our shareholders alike.”
