Elena Gil Aunon
London,London
Summary
Senior engineering leader with 24 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure, specializing in major regulated projects across the UK and internationally. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, set technical strategies, and manage complex programs through all project phases. Notable contributions include involvement in the Heathrow Airport expansion and expertise in DCO projects within regulated environments. Recognized for building high-performing teams and delivering effective infrastructure solutions focused on governance, asset performance, resilience, and sustainability.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engineering Water Manager
Worley Consulting
London
01.2024 - Current
- Assist in delivering technical leadership and governance for international water and wastewater projects.
- Support client advisory on infrastructure resilience and treatment design.
- Aid in ensuring regulatory compliance for utilities through strategic advice on water resource management.
Service Line Director and Process Lead
WSP
London
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Supported engineering delivery for industrial and infrastructure water projects ensuring adherence to technical standards.
- Assisted in process engineering tasks within water design teams to aid UK water sector project execution.
- Contributed process engineering insights to water and wastewater design assignments.
- Facilitated collaboration across civil, mechanical, and environmental disciplines.
- Helped maintain delivery standards aligned with UK water sector requirements.
Technical Director / Process Lead, Water
Wood
London
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Assisted in leading a team of engineers on various projects.
- Supported technical assurance efforts to ensure quality delivery.
- Contributed to the delivery of major projects effectively.
Associate Director / Process Lead
Amec Foster Wheeler
London
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Supported teams in delivering engineering leadership for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
- Assisted with environmental permitting and compliance processes.
- Contributed to infrastructure optioneering and concept design phases.
Industrial Water Director / Operations Director
DEISA – Grupo COMSA
01.2001 - 12.2014
- Assisted multidisciplinary teams in managing projects within an €80m/year EPC portfolio.
- Supported construction and commissioning efforts for water infrastructure delivery.
- Contributed to operational performance improvements across various projects.
Education
Master - Philosophy and Arts
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
01.2016
Master - Chemical Engineering
UPV
Spain01.1998
NEBOSH Process Safety Diploma -
UKSkills
- Engineering strategy and asset planning
- Water and wastewater infrastructure
- Technical assurance and governance
- Capital investment delivery
- Regulatory compliance and permitting
- Asset performance management
- Risk management and resilience
- Multidisciplinary team leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
Accomplishments
- 24+ years in water and wastewater engineering and infrastructure
- Senior leadership roles across Worley, WSP and Wood
- Full P&L responsibility and business leadership
- Built and led engineering teams
- Delivered major infrastructure and DCO projects
- Strong regulatory and permitting experience
- Trusted technical advisor across complex infrastructure environments
- Top 100 Women in Engineering in 2022
Affiliations
- Fellow – IChemE
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
Custom Section
- Net Zero Teesside (UK): Water and wastewater strategy for major decarbonization infrastructure.
- North London Heat & Power Project (UK): Utilities strategy for nationally significant infrastructure project.
- UKWIR Research: Water reuse, public health and emerging contaminants.
- AWE (UK): Critical infrastructure water systems.
- Saudi Aramco / Petro Rabigh: Large-scale wastewater infrastructure.
Publications
- UKWIR Research Programme – Water reuse and treatment
- UKWIR Research Programme – Cryptosporidium guidance
- SludgeTech Conference – Resource recovery
- DLE Summit 2026
Languages
French
Advanced
C1
English
Proficient
C2
Spanish
Proficient
C2
Certification
- Chartered Engineer
- Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers
Additional Information
Publications:
- UKWIR Research Programme – Water reuse and treatment
- UKWIR Research Programme – Cryptosporidium guidance
- SludgeTech Conference – Resource recovery
- DLE Summit 2026
- Contributor to international conferences and technical committees
Timeline
Engineering Water Manager
Worley Consulting
01.2024 - Current
Service Line Director and Process Lead
WSP
01.2022 - 12.2023
Technical Director / Process Lead, Water
Wood
01.2017 - 12.2022
Associate Director / Process Lead
Amec Foster Wheeler
01.2014 - 12.2017
Industrial Water Director / Operations Director
DEISA – Grupo COMSA
01.2001 - 12.2014
Master - Philosophy and Arts
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Master - Chemical Engineering
UPV