Jacobs’ CEO Bob Pragada, who was appointed Chair of Jacobs’ Board of Directors earlier this year, remains firmly dedicated to ensuring the organization is the premier provider of advisory solutions and science-based consulting. With a modest 1% increase in revenue from Q3 2024 compared to 2023—rising from $4.19 billion to $4.23 billion—it appears that certain measures Pragada has implemented are proving effective. 

Below are some key focuses Pragada has adopted since taking over as CEO in 2023, along with his brief forecast for Jacobs’ future.

The Water Sector

This year has seen a specific emphasis on Jacobs’ environmental and water markets. As Pragada noted during a Q3 earnings call, “Water continues to be a foundational element of our portfolio, exemplified by key wins across various geographies.”

These “key wins” include designing comprehensive upgrades to three wastewater treatment plants in Miami-Dade County and providing professional engineering services for Singapore’s development of the new Kranji Water Reclamation Plant (WRP). With various major developments currently underway in areas of northern Singapore, Jacobs’ WRP will assist the region in optimizing its water collection and treatment processes.

According to Pragada, Jacobs will maintain a serious focus on growing its water market throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond by strategically pursuing and capturing a substantial volume of new work.

An Emphasis on Cultural Diversity

A strong sense of culture is vital for any organization. Since stepping into the role of CEO, Pragada—a devoted family man who earlier in his life became the first Indian American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy—has emphasized the importance of cultural diversity.

In a 2023 Q&A with the Dallas Regional Chamber, Pragada remarked that much of the United States is “still learning” that all countries in Asia are distinct from one another. He stressed, “Employers should learn and celebrate the different backgrounds of all their Asian employees.”

“At Jacobs,” he continued, “we do this through our One World Employee Network, which provides an inclusive environment that actively nurtures, supports, and celebrates our diverse employees and clients across all ethnicities and cultures.”

This emphasis on culture is just part of what keeps Jacobs’ more than 60,000 employees happy and committed to the organization.

Sticking to Basics: Working With Government Organizations and National Security Operations

With each passing year, clients at Jacobs bring on increasingly complex portfolios. Whether improving safety along the Port of Miami or enhancing the busiest stretch of rail in the United States, the organization is tasked with critical projects that require its extensive expertise. 

Historically, working with government organizations and national security operations has been essential for Jacobs to meet portfolio objectives. For Pragada, maintaining this approach is crucial for fostering a more sustainable future.

As he noted in a recent interview, “We also continue to deliver innovative and resilient solutions to our civil nuclear clients in ways that support the transition to a sustainable and secure energy future and deliver net zero.”

Only time will tell if these sustainable efforts pay off, but for now, the future of Jacobs certainly seems bright in Pragada’s hands.