Professor Anusha Shah

Professor Anusha Shah is a globally recognised leader in climate resilience, water and environmental engineering, and sustainable infrastructure, with more than 26 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in the UK and internationally. Throughout her career, she has championed climate adaptation, nature-positive development and sustainable infrastructure to help address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. 

Professor Shah served as the 159th President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), becoming only the third woman and the first person of colour to hold the role in the institution’s 205-year history. Her presidential theme, “Making Connections for a Nature and People Positive World”, highlighted the essential relationship between infrastructure, nature and society. 

She is the Founder and Chief Executive of Plan for Earth, an organisation focused on accelerating systemic change in sustainability, climate resilience and nature-positive infrastructure. Previously, she was Global Senior Director for Climate, Water & Nature at Arcadis, leading international climate and resilience strategies. 

Professor Shah also held a number of non-executive and advisory positions, including serving as a Non-Executive Director of the UK Met Office and Chair of the Thames Estuary Partnership board. She is currently a Trustee of Green Alliance, and has recently joined the CyanLines Partnership board. Alongside her professional achievements, she has contributed extensively to higher education through visiting professorships, lectures and public engagement.