Rappor makes dual executive appointment

Engineering and environmental consultancy Rappor, headquartered in Cheltenham, has appointed Matt Hilton as chief operating officer and Mike Yiannis as chief financial officer, strengthening its executive board as the business continues its growth.

The pair reunite after previously working together at Hydrock, where Matt served as managing director and executive board director, while Mike was chief financial officer. 

During their time with the company, they helped oversee a period of sustained growth that culminated in Hydrock’s acquisition by Stantec in 2024.

Matt brings more than 30 years of experience in the built environment and will oversee operational performance and organisational development. 

Alongside his new role, he will continue as a non-executive director at Coreus Group.

Matt said: “What drew me to this opportunity is the balance between momentum and mindset. 

“Rappor is growing with real intent and a sense of direction, but it hasn’t lost sight of the authentic culture it wants to continue building. 

“The chance to step into this leadership role and guide what comes next made the decision an easy one, and I’m very much looking forward to what we achieve together.”

Mike joins with a background in corporate finance, having led financial strategy, investment and acquisitions at Hydrock. 

At Rappor, he will oversee the firm’s financial operations and support its long-term growth strategy.

Mike added: “I’ve been really impressed by the energy, clarity and ambition within Rappor’s leadership team, and by their commitment to building a national, transport-led multidisciplinary consultancy built on purpose. 

“There are exciting growth opportunities ahead as the business scales, including the potential for strategic acquisitions. 

“I’m looking forward to working with Adam, and everyone at Rappor, to lay the foundations for this next stage of growth.”

Their appointments follow the recent promotion of founder Adam Padmore to chief executive and form part of a wider leadership evolution designed to support Rappor's continued expansion across its UK offices.

Adam added: “Our vision is built on setting Rappor apart through our approach to people and partnership. 

“That’s as true today as it was when I founded the business a decade ago. 

“Fast forward to now announcing Matt and Mike to our newly founded executive board really does reflect our direction of travel and the emphasis we place on having the right people – the best people – guiding where we’re going and how we’re going to get there.

“Importantly, Matt and Mike have navigated very similar waters before at a peer firm that, in ways, has inspired the culture we’ve created at Rappor. 

“This means they’ve already experienced the specific challenges and opportunities in front of us, or which we’re very likely to face in future, and have a proven playbook to move beyond them successfully.”

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