Surbana Jurong begins global CEO search as Sean Chiao retires

He will retire on 31 July after leading the group for more than three years.

Surbana Jurong Group (SJ Group) has started a global search for a new group CEO after Sean Chiao announced he will retire on 31 July.

The company said chairman Chaly Mah will assume the role of executive chairman on an interim basis to oversee the group's key operations whilst the search is underway.

Chiao has led SJ Group since April 2023 where, during his tenure, the company introduced its One SJ transformation programme.

This brought its businesses and brands under a single operating framework, refreshed its senior leadership team, and reorganised its operating model into a globally integrated structure.

SJ Group said these initiatives strengthened its position in the architecture, engineering and construction sector.

The company ranked 24th in the latest ranking of the Top 225 International Design Firms by Engineering News-Record, which measures revenue from design services outside a firm's home market.

"It has been a tremendous privilege to lead SJ through a transformative chapter in its history," Chiao said, adding that bringing the organisation together under the One SJ strategy was among his proudest achievements.

SJ Group said it remains focused on delivering its strategic priorities and ensuring a smooth leadership transition whilst continuing to serve clients, employees, and communities across its global operations.