UK engineer Atkins has appointed Richard Cross (pictured) its first chief digital officer, with a brief to lead the development and integration of new and emerging technologies across the organisation and to help develop technology solutions for clients.
Richard Cross
The company is developing a series of data services using predictive analytics on large datasets, combined with real time data, to help clients to develop intelligent transportation management systems, as well as "strategic infrastructure asset control".
These techniques will help clients save money and resources through the management of urban transport, infrastructure assets and building resources. Â
Cross said: "We have begun a process of … flipping from a traditional model to one that is focused on digital by default, exploiting technology as a differentiator and selling digital products and services to create value for clients."
Uwe Krueger, Atkins’ chief executive, said: "The opportunities presented by the cloud, big data, social media and consumerisation, along with digital engineering, will have a fundamental impact on Atkins and our clients. Â
"The design assets we deliver to clients will be primarily digital, the tools we use will be increasingly digital and assets will be monitored and maintained through the internet of things and live digital models, with data as our lifeblood."
Cross is currently working as the firm’s chief information officer.
Atkins recently designed a 400m tower in Hunan, China.
