Rappor Appoints New Director to Lead Water Environment Strategy

Engineering and environmental consultancy Rappor has announced the appointment of Chris Dodd as the new director of its water environment team. This strategic move aims to bolster the firm’s expertise in climate resilience as water management becomes an increasingly critical component of modern development.

Dodd joins Rappor with an extensive background in flood risk management, sustainable drainage (SuDS), and environmental planning. His professional experience is diverse, covering a wide array of sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, and large-scale energy developments.

Throughout his career, he has managed a high-profile portfolio of projects, ranging from the development of new settlements and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) to complex flood risk mitigation strategies and river restoration initiatives.

In his new capacity at the Cheltenham-headquartered firm, Dodd will lead the water environment team, providing clients with expert guidance on navigating the tightening environmental regulations and the growing demand for climate-resilient infrastructure.

Reflecting on the challenges facing the industry, Dodd noted that water management has evolved from a technical necessity to a central pillar of successful project delivery.

"In an era of heightened environmental scrutiny, water management is becoming the defining factor in advancing modern development," said Dodd. "Water is no longer a problem to be pushed to the edge of a site or placed underground; it is an increasingly scarce resource that should be used to enhance developments and create better places."

He added: "Pushing beyond traditional drainage design and integrating this thinking at Rappor allows us to de-risk complex sites while delivering infrastructure that genuinely improves the natural environment."

The appointment comes at a time of sustained growth for Rappor. With a team of approximately 100 professionals operating across eight UK offices, the consultancy continues to expand its multidisciplinary service offerings, which encompass engineering, environmental consultancy, landscape architecture, and transport planning.

By integrating high-level water management expertise into its broader service portfolio, Rappor aims to help developers navigate the intersection of legislative requirements and the urgent need for sustainable, climate-conscious design.