It is with considerable mixed feelings that I write to you all to say that, from the end of December, I shall no longer be associated with all the good things that make up the Asia Region. When I was asked to move to Asia in August it was with a sense of great expectation as to the possibilities that the region presented. We have a really good and diverse team of people striving to build a growing business in probably the most dynamic area of the world today. In a short space of time we have put in place good foundations upon which to grow the business and have recruited some real stars to take the business forward.
The shift to a line of business structure, that was decided upon in October, opens up possibilities for growth that would have been much harder to achieve without the change. The key element is that when a good opportunity arises, that needs the resources of the greater Jacobs to be brought to bear, then the lines of business have an accountability to decide whether the opportunity fits the overall growth strategy, and, if yes, then to put the best team together to bring it home. This opens up the Asia Region to much larger opportunities than we could have successfully pursued on our own, or with limited help from the rest of Jacobs. As a result you will see the benefits over time of the additional attention that is being given to the region and hopefully you will be working on some very special projects.
I am returning to my home in Denver, Colorado, and am looking forward to working on some exciting prospects in the USA. In the meantime I wish all of you success and I trust that you stay safe and look after your friends and colleagues.