Bruton Knowles, the national chartered surveyor firm has made a decisive move to strengthen its presence in the UK utilities market with the appointment of Giles Lister in a new role as Head of Utilities.
The appointment signals a new chapter of strategic growth for Bruton Knowles, underscoring its ambition to become a market leader in the delivery of complex utilities and infrastructure projects nationwide.
With over 30 years of experience across the electricity, water, gas and renewables sectors, Giles brings insight, strategic leadership, and a national reputation for delivering high-value infrastructure programmes.
James Bailey, Managing Partner, commented on the announcement: “Giles’ reputation in the utilities sector precedes him. His expertise, leadership capability and drive to shape high-performing teams aligns perfectly with our ambition to grow and lead in this space.”
Giles joins Bruton Knowles from a previous senior role at Carter Jonas and prior to that, Fisher German. His move signals a renewed focus at Bruton Knowles on growing its infrastructure expertise and securing a greater share of the UK’s fast-evolving utilities sector.
“From Bruton Knowles’s perspective, they’re one of a limited number of firms that can truly deliver what is required across today’s infrastructure landscape,” said Giles. “There’s a huge amount of opportunity out there, and for me this is about creating a legacy, continuing to shape a significant National U&I Team, sharing what I’ve learnt, and giving talented people the freedom and support to thrive in a collaborative environment.”
Throughout his career, Giles has guided major infrastructure programmes from inception to execution, often working at the intersection of strategic land acquisition, statutory rights, and multi-disciplinary team coordination. He has advised clients such as National Grid, UK Power Networks, Southern Water, RWE, and the Environment Agency on some of their most high-profile projects.
Among his notable assignments, Giles led the land rights strategy and negotiations for the Richborough 400kV Overhead Line Connection, successfully guiding the Development Consent Order process and managing consultations with over 850 Persons with Interests in Land. More recently, he played a pivotal role on the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm project, facilitating access and agreements for a proposed 1.2GW extension to the existing offshore wind facility.
Giles has also been instrumental in driving forward strategic infrastructure on behalf of Southern Water, including advising on the Littlegroves and Mustards Rising Main Replacement on the Isle of Sheppey, and leading compulsory purchase and diversion works for the East Kent Access scheme.
James Bailey, Managing Partner at Bruton Knowles continued: “Giles’ track record speaks for itself, but what really stands out is his approach. He’s passionate about client service, delivering outcomes, and developing people. That aligns perfectly with our culture and ambitions.”
In addition to leading the infrastructure team, Giles will play a central role in shaping the firm’s long-term strategy for innovation, process efficiency, service delivery across the UK, and the development of more junior team members.
“The utilities landscape is evolving fast, and Bruton Knowles has all the right foundations — national coverage, specialist knowledge, and a progressive culture,” said Giles Lister. “My focus is on building a truly future-facing team, nurturing emerging talent, and ensuring we’re seen as the go-to consultancy in this sector.
“I’ve always believed in giving people the freedom to thrive. At Bruton Knowles, that ethos is embedded in the culture. it’s a business that trusts its people, backs their ideas, and puts client outcomes at the heart of everything. They want to build something sustainable that puts clients first and creates real opportunities for personal and professional growth – and I want to be a part of that.”