Sir Andrew Mitchell, who led the delivery of London’s new super sewer, was recognised for services to the construction industry.
ICE Fellow, Sir Andrew Mitchell (also known as Andy Mitchell), has been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to the construction industry.
Now retired, Sir Andrew led the Thames Tideway project from 2014 until April of this year, meaning he saw the project go from inception to operation.
Richard Willmott, executive chair of Willmott Dixon, a family-owned construction contractor, also received an honour. He was awarded an OBE for services to the construction industry.
Commenting on the list, ICE director general Dr Janet Young said: “Congratulations to Andy and Rick. It’s wonderful to see engineers recognised for their work on projects that enable people and the planet to thrive.
“From keeping sewage out of rivers to building new hospitals and rail links, the work of our members touches the lives of people around the world every day. I am delighted to see that work being celebrated in this way.”
Sir Andrew Mitchell: delivering London’s new ‘super sewer’
Affectionately known as the ‘super sewer’, the Thames Tideway Tunnel was built to boost the capacity of London’s original sewer system.
Built in the 1860s for a city of around 4 million people, the system struggled to cope with the almost 9 million people that now live in the English capital.
Construction was completed in 2024, and the super sewer was fully connected in 2025. Since it was ‘switched on’, it has diverted 21 million tonnes of sewage from the River Thames.
Before joining Tideway, Sir Andrew worked on Crossrail (now the Elizabeth line on the London Underground) as programme director. He received a CBE in 2015 for his work on this project.
Aside from the UK, Sir Andrew has worked in France, Hong Kong, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Richard Willmott: fifth generation leading the family firm
Richard Willmott led Willmott Dixon as CEO from 2008 to 2023. He's the fifth generation of the Willmott family to steer the company since it was established in 1852.
Some of the contractor’s major projects include the £142m Emergency Care Building at Derriford Hospital, part of the UK’s New Hospitals Programme.
Willmott has led on diversity and inclusion and net zero. The company has since been listed in the Financial Times’ annual Diversity Leaders European list and won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in recognition of its sustainability work.
Willmott Dixon has a target to achieve net zero in its operations by 2030, without the need to offset carbon emissions.
The Willmott Dixon Foundation, which Willmott set up, also supports social mobility by helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The company has invested over £10m in community projects.
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