2021 Winner - Bob Gomes, P.Eng.

(OTTAWA) October 28, 2021 – The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) is pleased to announce Bob Gomes, former CEO of Stantec and current member of its Board as the recipient of the 2021 Beaubien Award. The Beaubien Award recognizes individuals for their lifetime contributions to ACEC and to the advancement of the consulting engineering profession and industry. Mr. Gomes was announced as the recipient during the 2021 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards virtual celebration on Thursday night. The Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards are considered the highest form of recognition for excellence in the consulting engineering industry. 

Born and raised in Edmonton, Bob earned his degree in civil engineering at the University of Alberta. After joining Stantec in 1988 as an urban land project manager, he held many leadership roles over the course of his nearly 30 years with the company, culminating with his appointment as President and CEO in 2009. 

Under his tenure as CEO, Stantec experienced a sustained period of growth with close to 50 acquisitions in eight years. Building on the firm’s reputation, Bob oversaw its successful expansion into multiple global markets, including Europe and the Middle East. Under his leadership, Stantec experienced topline growth of 229%, with gross revenue increasing from $1.5 billion to $4.8 billion. While the firm now counts over 22,000 employees in 350 locations across 6 continents, Bob always believed that growth should be measured in expertise and capability rather than size, that consulting engineering firms should strive to be better companies and provide employees with career opportunities. To achieve this vision within Stantec, Bob facilitated a restructuring and refinement of roles and responsibilities to align the growth of the business lines, allowing them to better respond to future opportunities. He also oversaw a company re-branding that challenged the why of the company’s strategy and articulated a new purpose and values for the firm. 

Perhaps the most visible mark he made on the company and his community is the design of, and securing space and naming rights to the Stantec Tower, it’s global headquarters. The tallest building west of Toronto, it consolidated the firm’s Edmonton offices and serves as one of the key pillars in the city’s vibrant ICE District. The tower reinforced the company’s commitment to the City of Edmonton where it was founded and solidified its roots.

A tireless advocate for the industry, Bob has been actively involved in professional and industry organizations throughout his career. His long engagement with the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) culminated in his term as President, from which he received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Distinguished Service. He is also a Past Chair of the Urban Development Institute and the Edmonton Non-Profit Housing Corporation. His leadership position in the industry meant Bob was often called upon to present his views through speaking engagements with organizations such as ACEC-Canada, CEA, APEGA, and others. In his final year before his retirement in 2017, he received the CEO of the Year Award from New York-based EFCG, the highest award granted by this organization. In addition to his commitment to his profession and industry, he has consistently volunteered his time and talents in the community through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, United Way and the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.

Bob’s professional legacy is his commitment to engineering, the industry, and to his community. As the recipient of this year’s Beaubien Award, presented annually in recognition of exceptional service to ACEC and for contributions to the advancement of consulting engineering through professional accomplishments, Bob is recognized by his peers for his exemplary service. 

The Beaubien award was created by ACEC in 1984 in honour of Dr. James de Gaspé Beaubien, who founded ACEC in 1925.

Press release

View Bob Gomes' acceptance speech below.