We are delighted to welcome Yvonne Ainsworth to Hawkins as a Principal Associate, bringing over 25 years of geotechnical experience in the UK and international construction industry.
Yvonne is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, with a career spanning leadership roles across major infrastructure and energy projects. Her expertise combines technical excellence with strategic and operational management, covering geotechnical design and construction, risk management, HSEQ improvement, and business operations.
After graduating with a first-class degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Yvonne began her career with WS Atkins (now AtkinsRéalis) before moving into specialist piling and geotechnical contracting. She held senior technical and operational roles with leading ground engineering contractors, delivering complex foundation and retaining wall projects such as Battersea Power Station, Whitechapel and Tottenham Court Road Stations, and the Newport and Pembroke Power Stations.
Her specialist knowledge in piling and diaphragm walling, both in design and construction, made her a recognised authority in resolving complex technical challenges. Yvonne has frequently been consulted on high-risk projects in the UK and internationally.
In later roles, Yvonne progressed to Director positions, overseeing geotechnical solutions for Energy-from-Waste and renewable energy schemes across the UK and Ireland. She was promoted to Managing Director (Onshore) and subsequently became Business Unit Director for Taylor Woodrow’s South Region, leading a £40m infrastructure portfolio and a multidisciplinary team of over 100 staff.
Beyond her project work, Yvonne has contributed extensively to the geotechnical profession. She served on the British Geotechnical Association Committee for nearly a decade and continues as a co-opted member. In 2024, she received the ICE John Mitchell Award and delivered the associated lecture “The Importance of the 6Ps in Geotechnical Engineering”. She is also a ROGEP Adviser and ICE Reviewer, mentoring the next generation of civil engineers.
Yvonne will strengthen Hawkins’ capability in design and construction methodologies, failure investigation, and risk assessment in complex ground engineering environments.
We are thrilled to have her expertise on board.
