FIDIC appoints Susanna Zammataro as new CEO
The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) has announced the appointment of Susanna Zammataro as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2025. Zammataro will succeed her predecessor as she transitions from her current role as Director General of the International Road Federation (IRF).
FIDIC serves as a global representative body for the consulting engineering sector, advocating for the business interests of its members across various engineering disciplines. The appointment of Zammataro is being heralded as a significant development for the organisation, given her extensive background and accomplishments in the industry.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Zammataro has emerged as a prominent leader in consulting and transport engineering. Her tenure at the IRF has been marked by key initiatives, including governance reforms, financial stabilization efforts, and member engagement strategies. Under her stewardship, the IRF has considerably expanded its global influence and initiated numerous projects aimed at enhancing road and transport infrastructure on an international scale.
In her announcement regarding the new role, Zammataro expressed her gratitude towards the IRF, stating, “I am deeply grateful for the 18 remarkable years spent with the International Road Federation, where I had the privilege of leading transformative initiatives that advanced road safety, sustainability, and global partnerships. Joining FIDIC is both an absolute honour and a thrilling new chapter in my professional journey.” She further elaborated on her commitment to collaboration, stating, “I am truly grateful to the FIDIC board for their trust and I look forward to collaborating with both the board and FIDIC members to build on the organisation’s century-long legacy of excellence. Together, we will continue to shape the future of global infrastructure, driving innovation and fostering cooperation.”
Catherine Karakatsanis, the FIDIC president and senior vice president at Stantec, commended Zammataro’s appointment, saying, “The FIDIC board and I are delighted to have found an excellent candidate like Susanna to be the next CEO of our organisation. As a global industry federation leader of many years standing, Susanna knows well how membership organisations work and is familiar with the business, political and regulatory environment in which they operate.” She further praised Zammataro’s expertise, stating that her “significant experience in the international transportation sector and across the membership organisation arena show that she has the skills and expertise to lead FIDIC into the future.”
Karakatsanis emphasized Zammataro’s collaborative nature, adding, “Susanna’s skillset and experience in delivering success and influencing decision makers is just what we need at FIDIC and her collegiate and collaborative approach shines through in everything that she does. The board and I, together with the FIDIC staff, are looking forward to working with Susanna and giving her our full support as she takes on her new role as our new chief executive.”
This pivotal leadership change marks a crucial moment for FIDIC as it continues its commitment to enhancing the consulting engineering sector globally. Zammataro's reputable track record and her vision for future infrastructure development is anticipated to foster innovation and bolster cooperation among FIDIC’s diverse membership base. The evolution of leadership at FIDIC is expected to steer the organisation towards further achievements in the changing landscape of engineering and infrastructure development.