Ricardo announces new CEO and reveals refreshed brand

Ricardo has today confirmed the appointment of Jason Oms O’Donnell as its new CEO.

Founded in 1915 by Sir Harry Ricardo, the company has been part of the great British history of technology and mechanical breakthroughs that have helped to define automotive, energy and industrial engineering up to the present day. The appointment of Jason marks the commitment of Ricardo’ on delivering innovation and engineering excellence for our clients, including the launch of a refreshed brand.

The refreshed brand draws directly on this heritage, honouring Ricardo’s legacy of first‑of‑its‑kind engineering, while also positioning the business for the next era of advanced propulsion and sustainable energy solutions.

Jason Oms O’Donnell, who began his career at Ricardo as an automotive graduate and has spent 25 years with the company, steps into the CEO role following the acquisition of Ricardo by WSP in October 2025. As part of that acquisition, WSP announced plans to divest the automotive and manufacturing divisions while integrating the environmental, energy consulting and rail businesses into WSP from July 2026.

“It is a privilege to lead Ricardo into its next phase,” said O’Donnell. “For more than a century, this company has shaped the evolution of mobility and energy systems. Sir Harry Ricardo’s belief in using emerging technologies and fuels to improve efficiency and eliminate waste remains at the heart of who we are – a legacy that will continue to guide us in the years ahead.”

This milestone reinforces Ricardo’s role as a trusted engineering partner, one rooted in deep technical heritage while firmly focused on the future of propulsion, energy transition and advanced manufacturing.