Beyond the Blueprint: RJC Taps Tech and Governance Titans for Growth

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – June 11, 2026 – On the surface, the announcement from RJC Engineers seems like standard corporate procedure: two new external members, Laura Hartwell and Phil Noble, have been appointed to its Board of Directors. But for the national, employee-owned engineering firm, this move is far more than a routine update to the leadership roster. It represents a deliberate and strategic maneuver to fortify its governance, accelerate its technological adoption, and equip itself for an ambitious national expansion, all while navigating the unique cultural dynamics of an employee-owned enterprise.

The appointments, approved today at the firm’s Annual General Meeting, are being hailed internally as a “meaningful governance milestone.” As Jeff Rabinovitch, Chair of RJC Engineers’ Board of Directors, stated, “Laura and Phil bring exceptional leadership experience and fresh perspectives that will strengthen our Board as we continue building on RJC’s legacy and preparing for the opportunities ahead.” Their expertise, he noted, is intended to guide the firm’s growth and evolution, signaling a conscious effort to look beyond its internal talent pool for the specific skills needed to shape its next chapter.

A Strategic Infusion for National Scale

This move is a direct reflection of RJC's strategic plan, “Blueprint 2027,” a five-year vision initiated after a significant governance restructuring in 2022. With over 700 employees, an estimated annual revenue exceeding $100 million, and a growing footprint that now includes offices in the United States, the firm has reached a scale where enhanced oversight is not a luxury, but a necessity. For an employee-owned company, bringing in external directors is a pivotal decision. It introduces a layer of independent accountability and objective perspective that can be crucial for navigating the complexities of a competitive national market dominated by publicly traded giants like WSP and Stantec.

Corporate governance experts note that such appointments can provide critical guardrails and strategic discipline, preventing the insularity that can sometimes challenge internally-led organizations. By adding seasoned executives from outside the engineering world, RJC gains access to new networks and a breadth of experience in scaling large, complex organizations—a vital asset as it pushes to expand its market share and tackle increasingly sophisticated projects. This isn't just about adding names to a letterhead; it's about importing battle-tested wisdom for the next phase of growth.

Future-Proofing a 75-Year-Old Firm

The selection of Laura Hartwell, a former Executive Vice President at IBM Canada, is a clear indicator of where RJC sees its future. Hartwell brings more than three decades of deep experience in technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. In an industry being fundamentally reshaped by these forces, her presence on the board is a powerful statement of intent. Engineering is no longer just about concrete and steel; it’s about data, digital twins, predictive analytics, and resilient, smart infrastructure. Hartwell’s expertise provides RJC with C-suite level insight into how to integrate these technologies not just as tools, but as core components of its business strategy.

RJC is already engaged in this technological shift, utilizing internal tools like RJC Ascend for life cycle analysis and pursuing an ambitious Embodied Carbon Action Plan to reach net-zero by 2050. Hartwell’s background is perfectly suited to help accelerate these initiatives and identify new opportunities where technology can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and client value. “I’m delighted to join the RJC Board at such an exciting moment for the firm and for the engineering sector broadly,” Hartwell said, specifically pointing to the “opportunities that emerging technology creates.” Her appointment is a proactive step to ensure the firm isn't just keeping pace with industry trends, but is positioned to lead them.

The Bedrock of Governance in a Competitive Landscape

Complementing Hartwell’s tech-forward perspective is the governance and strategic planning acumen of Phil Noble. As the former CEO of Grant Thornton LLP in Canada and a global board member for the international accounting network, Noble has firsthand experience leading a large professional services organization through growth and change. His background is steeped in the disciplines of risk management, financial oversight, and leadership succession—the very bedrock required to support ambitious expansion.

As RJC continues its national and international growth, it faces heightened risks and complexities, from market volatility to integrating new acquisitions. Noble’s experience at Grant Thornton, where he chaired both the Enterprise Risk Management and Board Governance Review Committees, provides RJC’s board with a seasoned expert who has navigated these challenges at the highest level. “Strong governance, accountability and strategic discipline are what allow firms like this to sustain growth and serve clients at the highest level,” Noble stated, underscoring his focus. His role will be to ensure that as RJC’s creative and technical ambitions grow, its operational and governance frameworks remain robust and scalable.

Balancing an Ownership Culture with Corporate Ambition

The most critical challenge—and opportunity—for RJC lies in integrating this new, high-powered expertise without diluting the employee-ownership culture that has been central to its success for over 75 years. The firm is consistently recognized as a top employer, a testament to a culture that empowers its people and fosters collaboration. The risk of bringing in outside directors is that their corporate-world perspectives could clash with the deeply ingrained values of an employee-owned firm.

However, the public statements from both new directors suggest a keen awareness of this dynamic. Hartwell praised the firm's “employee-ownership model and its commitment to technical excellence, creativity and team work,” while Noble expressed his honor in contributing to the “remarkable organization” and its next chapter. This indicates a deliberate selection process by RJC, seeking not just impressive résumés but leaders who appreciate the unique strengths of its model. The ultimate goal is not to change the firm’s DNA, but to fuse its powerful internal culture with world-class external guidance, creating a structure that is both resilient and poised for significant, sustainable growth.