After a 30-year career with the firm, Linthicum will become Langan’s third CEO on January 1, 2027, while David Gockel remains executive chair.
PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, N.J.— Langan, a global environmental and engineering consulting firm, has named Ryan C. Linthicum as its next chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2027, marking a leadership transition following a two-year succession planning process.
Linthicum will succeed David T. Gockel, who will remain executive chair of Langan’s Board of Managers. The appointment makes Linthicum the third CEO in the company’s history.
The succession process was led by Gockel, who expressed confidence in Linthicum’s leadership abilities and his capacity to guide the firm through its next phase of growth.
“Ryan Linthicum has the full support of our executive team to lead Langan as we continue our journey as a national powerhouse and magnet for talent,” Gockel said. He cited Linthicum’s judgment, integrity, energy and commitment to employees as key strengths that would support the company’s continued success.
Three decades of experience at Langan
Linthicum has spent his entire 30-year professional career at Langan, joining the firm as a staff engineer at its New Jersey headquarters before advancing to managing principal and becoming a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Managers.
In his current role, he oversees the company’s technology strategy, including investments in artificial intelligence (AI), the integration of AI into its services and the development of its nationwide digital solutions practice.
His experience also includes geographic expansion and the development of new business sectors. Linthicum opened three Langan offices in Washington, D.C., Arlington and Richmond, Virginia, while leading the company’s entry into the federal market.
Among the firm’s major federal assignments is its work with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. Langan has supported the development or redevelopment design process for nearly 200 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
Throughout his career, Linthicum has managed teams across a broad range of sectors, including mixed-use and commercial real estate, resorts, cultural institutions, sports facilities, education, life sciences and aviation.
His combination of engineering expertise, technology leadership and business development experience positions him to oversee a firm operating across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure, real estate and environmental projects.
Focus on innovation and client services
In a statement, Linthicum said he was honored to take on the responsibility of leading the company and looked forward to working with Gockel, fellow partners and employees.
“Under my leadership, we will continue to deliver premier consulting services to our clients on projects that define and enhance how we live and work, and that contribute to communities around the world,” he said.
His existing oversight of Langan’s AI investments and digital solutions could prove particularly relevant as engineering and environmental consulting firms increasingly incorporate advanced technology into project planning, design and delivery.
The company’s nationwide presence and international operations also give the incoming CEO responsibility for sustaining growth across multiple markets while continuing to attract and retain specialized talent.
A global consulting business
Founded in 1970, Langan provides environmental and engineering consulting services to clients in the United States and internationally. The company employs approximately 2,500 professionals and operates 60 offices across the United States.
Its wholly owned subsidiary, Langan International, is based in New York and maintains five additional offices in London, Panama, Calgary, Athens and Dubai.
The firm’s work spans sectors ranging from commercial and residential development to life sciences, aviation, public institutions and federal facilities, reflecting the breadth of technical expertise required to support complex development projects.
With Linthicum set to take over as CEO at the beginning of 2027 and Gockel continuing as executive chair, the leadership structure is designed to combine a new executive direction with continuity at the board level.
The transition comes as Langan continues to build on more than five decades of operations, with its next phase expected to focus on client service, technological innovation, talent development and expansion across its domestic and international markets.
