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Manav Kumar Will Become AECOM Chief Legal Officer

The infrastructure firm announced a leadership succession plan as the current legal chief prepares for retirement.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People

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AECOM announced that Manav Kumar will succeed the firm's current legal chief as chief legal officer, effective October 3, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

On Oct. 3, 2026, Manav Kumar will assume the role of chief legal officer at AECOM. The transition follows the announcement that current legal head David Gan will move to a senior advisor role.

Why it matters

The appointment represents a strategic leadership transition for the global infrastructure firm as it manages its executive continuity. This planned handoff allows for a multi-year advisory period before Gan departs the organization.

David Gan is concluding a 20-year career at AECOM, while incoming chief legal officer Manav Kumar has been with the firm since 2017. The transition will lead up to Gan's retirement in 2027.

The players

Manav Kumar

He is an incoming chief legal officer at AECOM who previously served as the chief of staff for the chairman and CEO.

David Gan

He is the outgoing chief legal officer at AECOM who has served the company for 20 years.

AECOM

It is a global infrastructure consulting firm that provides professional services across various markets.

The details

Manav Kumar previously held positions as AECOM's chief of staff for the chairman and CEO and served as the chief olympics officer for Los Angeles. The company is currently formalizing its leadership transition ahead of the October 2026 effective date.

Timeline

  1. David Gan joined AECOM in 2006.

  2. Manav Kumar joined AECOM in 2017.

  3. Manav Kumar becomes chief legal officer on Oct. 3, 2026.

  4. David Gan plans to retire in 2027.

Market Landscape

This transition highlights how AECOM integrates executives with complex public-sector experience, particularly following Kumar's work as chief olympics officer for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The move secures experienced leadership as the firm navigates long-term global projects.

The transition ensures stability for clients and stakeholders as the firm continues its long-term operations. Customers and partners can expect continued service continuity during the handover period between legal heads.

The takeaway

Planned executive succession provides firms with the stability required to maintain operations across long-term infrastructure contracts. Clear transition timelines are essential for maintaining stakeholder confidence during executive leadership changes.

What happens next

Manav Kumar is scheduled to officially begin his tenure as chief legal officer on Oct. 3, 2026, while David Gan is scheduled to retire in 2027.

Further reading

For more on shifts in industry leadership, visit the People section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Construction Dive.