HDR Named Andy Yosten President of Engineering Group
The Omaha-based firm has promoted a long-tenured leader to direct its global building engineering strategy.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in People
HDR has appointed Andy Yosten as president of its Building Engineering Services group, succeeding the retiring Paul Flatt. Yosten will now oversee the firm's global multidisciplinary engineering practice and strategic direction.
Why it matters
The transition marks a leadership shift at the head of a major professional services group, highlighting the importance of long-term succession planning in large-scale engineering firms. Understanding how firms move internal talent into top roles provides a benchmark for owners managing their own human capital strategies.
The leadership change concludes a 37-year tenure for the outgoing president, while the new appointee brings nearly two decades of experience within the firm. The appointment follows Yosten's role as the Central Region Business Group Director, a position held since 2020.
The players
Andy Yosten
The newly appointed president of HDR's Building Engineering Services group who joined the firm as an intern in 2005.
Paul Flatt
The retiring president of HDR's Building Engineering Services group who served the firm for 37 years.
HDR
A global firm providing architecture, engineering, and construction services through various specialized business groups.
The details
As the new president, Andy Yosten is tasked with shaping the strategic vision and day-to-day operations for HDR's global building engineering practice. He previously climbed through the ranks from an intern in 2005 to managing principal of the Omaha office. This internal promotion reflects a continuity-focused approach to maintaining the firm's multidisciplinary engineering standards.
Timeline
2005: Andy Yosten began his career at HDR as an intern.
2007: Yosten joined the firm as a full-time employee.
2020: Yosten became the Central Region Business Group Director for Building Engineering Services.
- 2026-10-13
HDR formally announced the appointment of Andy Yosten as president.
Market Landscape
The appointment of Yosten follows an established industry pattern of grooming long-tenured internal staff for top leadership roles to ensure institutional continuity. It marks a clear progression from regional management to global oversight for a firm deeply embedded in the engineering sector.
Business owners should review their own internal succession pathways to identify high-potential employees capable of stepping into senior roles. Planning for long-tenured exits requires identifying institutional knowledge gaps well before a key departure.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at the top of engineering firms often hinge on internal development rather than external hiring. Operators should consider whether their current project-based managers possess the strategic vision required for enterprise-level leadership.
Further reading
For more on talent management and executive transitions, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Construction Business News Middle East.
