Engineering consultancy Hilson Moran, has appointed Chris Balch as non-executive chairman.
An expert in planning, development and regeneration, Mr Balch will undertake his new role with Hilson Moran alongside his current position as professor of planning at Plymouth University, where he is chair of the management board for the Institute for Sustainable Solutions Research (ISSR).

He previously held a number of senior positions at DTZ, before becoming managing director UK & Ireland.

Mr Balch's professional experience includes the development and funding of complex and large scale projects. He has been involved in millennium projects such as the Lowry in Salford, The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and the Odyssey project in Belfast.

In addition, he was chair of the Basildon Renaissance Partnership and contributed to planning, economic and development strategies for major transportation and infrastructure projects, such as the East London River Crossing and the Channel Tunnel rail link. His international experience includes advising on the Dubai International Finance Centre and the National Plan for Bahrain.