Planned leadership transition reinforces continuity and long-term strength of the water-focused firm

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Carollo Engineers, North America's premier water engineering and consulting firm, announced today that Anne Prudhel has been selected to serve as the firm's next president and CEO, effective January 1, 2027. B. Narayanan, who has led Carollo as president and CEO for the last 15 years, will be retiring at the end of 2027, but will continue to support the firm in an advisory capacity until then. This succession reflects Carollo's long-standing commitment to developing leaders from within.

Anne Prudhel Brings Over Two Decades of Leadership to CEO Role

Based in Walnut Creek, California, Prudhel has 24 years of experience leading complex water infrastructure projects involving water supply, wastewater collection, recycled water, and regional conveyance systems. Additionally, she has helped numerous utilities secure hundreds of millions in low-interest funding for capital improvement programs and has worked closely with public agencies to address long-term planning needs.

Since joining Carollo in 2004, she has served in senior roles, including chief of infrastructure design and client services director. She has also directed employee engagement initiatives and serves on the firm's strategic growth advisory board and board of directors. She has built a career focused on technical excellence, long-term client relationships, and building high-performing teams. In addition to her technical and operational leadership, Prudhel is passionate about developing talent, mentoring future leaders, and preserving the firm's culture through managed growth.

"This transition reflects a deliberate and thoughtful succession process," said Narayanan. "Anne is an exceptional leader who combines strong technical skills with a deep understanding of Carollo's culture, values, and clients. With the board's support, she is well-positioned to lead Carollo into its next chapter, building on a legacy of over 90 years of client-focused solutions and investment in our people."

B. Narayanan's Distinguished Tenure

The transition follows an esteemed career at Carollo for Narayanan, who has served the firm for 36 years. During his 15-year tenure as president and CEO, he guided the firm's growth from more than 500 employees to nearly 2,000 while preserving its focus on technical rigor and client service. Prior to his current role, he was Carollo's director of wastewater process technology, where he oversaw process design and operational startup on all wastewater projects. A recognized treatment expert, Narayanan remains widely respected throughout the water industry for his stewardship and technical contributions, having authored dozens of peer-reviewed papers on advanced treatment practices and operational strategies. Following the transition, he will continue supporting the firm and its leadership team in an advisory role until his retirement at the end of 2027.

Maintaining a Commitment to Clients and Innovation

As she prepares to assume the CEO role, Prudhel emphasized continuity, gratitude for Narayanan's leadership, and her commitment to supporting Carollo's people, clients, and continued growth.

"I am humbled by the company's confidence and honored to serve as Carollo's next president and CEO. I feel fortunate to have built my career at a firm that has given me opportunities to grow as both a professional and a leader. Along the way, I've seen firsthand that our greatest strength is our people, whose shared passion for water and commitment to our clients set Carollo apart," said Prudhel. "I am deeply grateful to Narayanan for his leadership and mentorship, and for the strong foundation he has helped build through decades of service to our firm. As I look ahead, I'm committed to building on that foundation by investing in our people, working with our teams to continue delivering the trusted expertise and innovative solutions our clients rely on, and preserving the culture that has made Carollo such a special place to build a career."

Under Prudhel's leadership, Carollo will continue preparing for the evolving needs of the water sector while building on the expertise, relationships, and client trust that have long defined the firm. Her deep experience and strategic perspective position her to guide the firm's continued growth, strengthen connections with clients and partners, and keep Carollo focused on delivering forward-looking solutions for communities across North America.

About Carollo Engineers

For more than 90 years, Carollo Engineers has provided a full range of innovative planning, design, and construction management services to address the water needs of municipalities, public agencies, private developers, and industrial clients. Carollo develops robust water management strategies that leverage collaboration, provide multi-benefit solutions, and achieve sustainability and resilience. Carollo has nearly 2,000 employees located in more than 60 offices across North America. To learn more about how Carollo is "Working Wonders With Water®" call (800) 523-5826 or visit www.carollo.com.

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SOURCE Carollo Engineers