Effective November 1, 2026, Dr Carola Zeig will assume leadership of CDM Smith’s Water & Municipal Infrastructure Business Unit in addition to her current responsibility for the International Business Unit. She succeeds Dr Klaus Piroth, who has successfully led and shaped the business unit since 2014.
This early succession planning ensures a seamless transition of leadership and creates the conditions to further advance the strategic development of CDM Smith’s water business in Germany and across the EME region.
Over the past decade, Klaus Piroth has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the Water & Municipal Infrastructure Business Unit through his technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and personal commitment. In particular, he has earned an outstanding reputation in flood risk and stormwater management, both within the industry and beyond. Under his leadership, CDM Smith further strengthened its position as a leading consulting and engineering company in the water sector.
Looking back on recent years, Klaus Piroth is most proud of what he and his team have built together:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside my colleagues over the past twelve years. It is only thanks to this strong collaboration that we have been able to connect and develop our business unit, both geographically and technically. I was also glad to take on joint responsibility in management and to help shape the company's development.”
Dr Klaus Piroth
Carola Zeig brings extensive leadership and project management experience in the water sector as well as in international consulting. In her role as head of the International Business Unit, she has successfully delivered numerous complex projects and strengthened collaboration across CDM Smith’s global organisation.
She intends to build on this in her expanded role:
“I am very much looking forward to the new challenge and to building on this development. We already work together successfully across business units and locations. If we connect our expertise even more closely and deploy it flexibly, identify opportunities early and act together with foresight, we can actively shape our future and further strengthen our resilience.”
Dr Carola Zeig
Division Director
By expanding Carola Zeig’s responsibilities, CDM Smith reinforces its commitment to continuity, technical excellence, and the future-oriented development of its water business. This leadership transition reflects the company’s long-term dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for water management and municipal infrastructure.
CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges.
