Arcadis, an engineering, design and consultancy firm, is building up its legal department: Jody Debs has been named chief legal officer for the North American region of the company. In her new position, Debs will work with the North American management team and the general counsel at the firm’s Amsterdam headquarters to implement, drive and oversee legal matters on her continent.

“I am pleased that Jody Debs has chosen to join Arcadis. She brings extensive industry experience, in depth expertise in risk management and contract negotiations and strong leadership skills,” said Gary Coates, chief executive officer of Arcadis U.S., in a statement.