People

Suren Vakil has been appointed as Vice Chairman for CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) and has formally joined in this role from May 22nd, 2018.

He is an experienced leader in infrastructure engineering consultancy who has been associated with CEPT for many years. Presently, he is the Managing Director of BMT Consultants India and leads a strong team in ports, logistics and environment. BMT Consultants (India) Pvt Ltd is the market leader in marine consultancy in India having completed over 370 projects since inception in August 2006 and with offices in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Chennai, is part of the BMT Group of companies, which is the world’s largest independent marine consultancy.

He possesses broad experience in marine and general infrastructure projects over a varied and exciting career spanning 33 years in the UK and in India. He has twice built up successful consultancy firms from start-up to strong market positions. His experience includes being the Project Director for numerous infrastructure consultancy assignments. He has been involved in well-known projects including the Technical Assistance by the ADB following the Gujarat earthquake, Andhra Pradesh Hazard Mitigation and Cyclone Recovery Project, Chennai Container Terminal, Gujarat Pipavav Port, Mundra Port, Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal etc. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Leeds University, UK. He is a UK chartered engineer and chartered environmental manager and has been the regional representative for the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK. He has spent more than 13 years in the UK and was involved in major projects there.

As Vice Chairperson, he will be working with the CRDF team with a view to grow it to a premier research organization. He will help facilitate the centers to build upon their success, and, strengthen and foster a research culture within the CRDF community. His focus will be on strategy and systems for CRDF within the framework of CEPT’s overall goals and mission. With his in-depth understanding of the consulting industry, and, national and international network, he will support the centers in exploring and formalizing partnerships and funding opportunities over a wide range of research activities.