Architecture practice Gensler has promoted four female principals to its leadership team in the UK and Europe.
Gensler says they bring decades of expertise across a range of disciplines including architecture, sustainability, technology and marketing. It follows the recruitment of 100 new employees across London, Birmingham, Paris, Berlin and Munich last year.
Juliette Morgan works as the group's ESG consultancy director and is a global leader in the firm's climate action and sustainability practice. She has more than 20 years of experience as a commercial real estate professional and has been responsible for asset managing and developing millions of square feet across the UK and US.
Morgan worked for British Land for circa four and a half years, according to her LinkedIn profile, and occupied the role of head of sustainable development in her last two years with the UK real estate investment trust. She has also worked for Cushman & Wakefield and Bidwells.
Diana Lee works as the practice's cities studio leader for London and will use her experience as a registered town planner and landscape architect to lead on developments focusing on user experience. Lee will lead on large-scale urban design and education projects in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and Asia.
Gensler has also promoted Naomi Sakamoto to lead its technology practice area for the firm’s Europe region and a studio serving innovative clients in sciences, tech, and creative industries. She has been with the company for almost 11 years, working as a studio director and project manager previously. Sakamoto has a background in urban design, civil engineering, and architecture.
Sarah Ekundayo also becomes a principal and is regional marketing director for Europe. She will work with leaders to build Gensler’s brand and communications strategies across key markets. She previously worked at JLL before spending the last 16 years at Gensler.
Julia Simet, Gensler co-chief executive, said in a statement: "They have made an incredible impact to the firm for many years, delivering innovative solutions for our clients, leading the industry on challenges in the built environment through engaging thought leadership and driving business growth. It is an honour to work with such talented women who are leading the architecture industry into its next evolution."