Ground Engineering magazine has listed 20 of the industry’s most influential and inspirational women - and Skanska's Emma Haddow has made the list!
The list shines a spotlight on female trailblazers, thought leaders and innovators who have had an impact on the industry.
Emma has worked in the piling sector for over 20 years and has experience in design, project delivery and bidding. Currently operating as Cementation Skanska’s Business Stream Director in Scotland, she has played a key role in increasing our presence in the Scottish market – helping to secure South Clyde Energy Centre, Sheild's Road and The Keystone Building at Glasgow university.
Katy Dowding, Skanska’s President and CEO said: “Huge congratulations on being chosen as one of the Top 20 Women in Ground Engineering this year, a thoroughly well-deserved accolade. It is great to see your hard work and outstanding contribution being celebrated.”
Emma worked for Skanska’s piling and ground engineering business, Cementation Skanska early in her career and re-joined the business in 2022.
Courtney Ferguson, Project Engineer said: “Emma believes in people and inspires them to succeed. She is a constant support for everyone, not just her team. Her optimism and readiness for challenges uplift any workplace she enters. Since becoming Business Stream Director, our team has excelled.
“Emma continuously promotes inclusion and diversity, leading by example. She empowers women to call out inappropriate behaviour and creates opportunities for those around her. Passionate about our industry, Emma's impact is profound. We need more leaders like her.”
At school Emma’s ambition was to go into medicine but following a spell of work experience, she realised it wasn’t for her and opted for a degree in Civil Engineering at Strathclyde University instead.
After graduating in 2002, she went straight into a career in piling, starting as a Contracts Engineer for Cementation Skanska, working onsite. During her five years in the role, Emma worked on several big projects in Scotland including The Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh and Auchenkilns Roundabout in Glasgow before moving into design and estimating.
Speaking about her time in Skanska, Emma said: “When I first worked for Cementation Skanska I was still early in my career and looking to gain experience. I then worked in the industry taking on a number of different roles but have always been drawn to Skanska because of the values and the experience of the people working for the team. For me, the transition back to Skanska was natural."
On making into the top 20 Emma added: “I am really honoured to be included alongside so many inspirational women."