Following a rigorous selection process from a long list of candidates, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has appointed civil engineer Dr Sean Phillips as its new MD.

Phillips, who boasted a Master’s degree in science and management, as well as a Doctorate in civil engineering, would assume his new position from May 1.

Phillips was experienced in performance monitoring and evaluation at national and municipal levels and had operational management expertise in local roads authorities.

Phillips had been CEO of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent – a government component in the national Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – from April 2015 to April 2016.  Prior to that, he spent five years as  director-general of the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in The Presidency. Phillips also held various positions within the private and public sector, including the Department of Public Works in Limpopo and Gauteng.

The JRA noted that it was embarking on an “exciting new phase” of the city’s journey in roads infrastructure and that Phillips’ vast experience in engineering, coupled with his strategic leadership and management skills, would serve the city and the JRA well in its commitment to providing quality roads that are safe, accessible and livable for the local community.

Phillips would replace acting MD Mpho Kau, who aided the JRA in achieving a clean (unqualified) audit for a second consecutive year. Kau also helped strengthen the JRA’s turnaround strategy through an engineering-based approach to infrastructure development and maintenance.

“The launch of the flagship bridges projects, including the M1 bridges rehabilitation project have been significant achievements. Kau will resume his position as executive head of infrastructure development and will continue to be an integral and valued member of the executive team,” said the JRA.