Former Arcadis North America CEO Passes Away

Steve Blake—member of the Arcadis Executive Board from 1999 through 2003 and again between 2010 and 2013, and CEO for Arcadis-U.S. for more than 15 years before retiring in 2013—died on January 16 at his home in Hayden, Colo., after a brief fight with cancer. He was 59.

Prior to joining Arcadis, Blake held management roles at Geraghty & Miller Inc. Within months of the 1993 merger between Geraghty & Miller and Arcadis, Blake was appointed CEO for the Dutch firm’s U.S. business.

“All of us at Arcadis are deeply saddened to hear of Steve’s death and offer our support and thoughts to his wife and family,” said Neil McArthur, global chief executive officer for Arcadis. “Steve had a huge impact on everything and everyone he touched during his life and career. He was able to see both the bigger strategic picture but also understood the operational details to make it happen—his plan for Arcadis North America was hugely successful, growing our business five times and profitability ten times over a ten-year period. He was also a hands-on leader, leading from the front, incredibly hard-working. Steve was a passionate and inspirational leader and fully embodied our passion to improve quality of life and be recognized as the best—he was larger than life, he will be sorely missed—his legacy will endure.”

Blake was a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, the Construction Industry Roundtable, the National Ground Water Association and the U.S. National Water Well Associates. A registered professional engineer in Oklahoma and a registered geologist in Arkansas, he held a bachelor’s degree in watershed sciences from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in hydrology and water resources science from the University of Arizona.

“Although I wasn’t fortunate enough to work with Steve, I know he was a very successful businessman and a highly respected leader, and I see evidence of this in the company he led for so many years,” said John Jastrem, chief executive officer of Arcadis’ North America region. “Steve recognized talent and team spirit, and he empowered the team to ‘Go make something happen,’ and Steve appreciated every employee and celebrated their accomplishments. Each of us at Arcadis [is] part of Steve’s legacy. He will be missed, but not forgotten.”

Source: Arcadis