Ole Henseler 

Ole Henseler originally wanted to be an architect, but his math skills were better than his drawing, so instead he opted for a degree in civil engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany. Since then, he has focused on soil-related projects even though he loves bridges, towers and mountains. Ole Henseler enjoys the uniqueness of every project, and he likes to create organ­i­sa­tional structures, coordinate procedures, and examine and optimise processes. As a project manager at CDM Smith, Ole Henseler has specialised in envi­ron­men­tal site assessment, cont­a­m­i­nated site investigation, due diligence, management consulting and remediation design. His site investigation and remediation, and infrastructure projects have taken him across Europe, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S.

What does it mean to you that CDM Smith is a privately owned company? In this way we ensure that only WE plan our path into the future and are not externally determined by investors whose interests may be completely different from ours.

What was the nicest compliment you received from a client? "You belong to us, to this company, you understand us and our mentality, even if you do not speak our language. You have become a real friend."

Which project do you partic­u­larly remember well and why? Some years ago, I conducted a site inves­ti­ga­tion for an envi­ron­men­tal assessment at a U.S. Marine camp in Djibouti, East Africa. Ten days at outside temper­a­tures of fifty-five degrees centigrade and sleeping in the same tent as the special forces was not an everyday experience. These hostile living conditions in the barren volcanic landscape, and the ubiquitous poverty and misery among the population were as oppressive as they were memorable.

What are your 3 non-work passions? I’m used to travelling a lot as it is, but I still like to travel in my spare time – by plane, motorbike or camper. Wanderlust is my constant companion.