“I returned home to New Zealand after 20 years to take up Stantec’s Advisory Services Sector Leader role,” says Vreugdenhil. “This new role as Country Leader means I’m even more committed to serve Aotearoa and to be closer to my whānau and whenua.”

Vreugdenhil’s 30-plus-year career began with earthquake research in California with the United States Geological Survey and a PhD in seismic liquefaction. This expertise proved essential when, as Practice Leader for Risk Management, Vreugdenhil was responsible for building a risk model to assist with the rebuild of Christchurch following the devastating earthquakes of February 2011.

Alongside the Practice Leader role, Vreugdenhil spent two years as the Chief of Strategy for Asia-Pacific. He also spent several years in Australia where he held numerous senior roles with the Australian Leadership Team, including Strategy Development Manager and Water Resources Sector Leader. 

Stantec’s Australia and New Zealand Regional Leader, Ralph Fouche helped select Vreugdenhil as Aotearoa’s new Country Leader because of his expertise in strategy, communication, stakeholder alignment, innovation, business resilience and proven ability to achieve breakthrough and sustained business performance. “Stantec Aotearoa is at a critical juncture in our history as we continue to successfully grow and deliver community infrastructure for our clients, and Roger’s leadership will provide a fresh perspective on our strategy going forward,” says Fouche.

Stantec employs more than 26,000 people working in over 400 locations across 6 continents — about 780 employees work across 17 offices in Aotearoa New Zealand.