Perfect Circle People | Peter Leslie
In the next instalment of Perfect Circle's People Profile series, here is an introduction to Peter Leslie, Client Director at AECOM.
Peter has over 20 years’ experience in the delivery of transport and infrastructure projects across Scotland. He began his career in engineering roles before progressing into senior leadership positions, including Engineering Manager within a national sustainable transport consultancy. Since joining AECOM in 2017, he has played a key role in growing the transportation business in Scotland, leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering strategic client outcomes.
Peter specialises in active travel, infrastructure design, and public sector transport delivery, with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, funding alignment, and NEC project management. He has delivered and overseen the design and construction of large-scale walking, wheeling and cycling networks across both urban and rural environments. Combining strong technical knowledge with commercial and client leadership expertise, Peter is recognised for shaping projects from early feasibility through to delivery, and for building long-term relationships with local authorities and key stakeholders.
Career Highlight
'My leadership of major active travel programmes across Scotland and teaching over 1000+ people on how to plan and design for people cycling'.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
'3 year old twins, but in a work capacity the desire to care about delivering projects that make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle - working with clients to create places that are safer, more connected, and better for communities'.
What does a typical day look like?
'Using Freedom to Grow in AECOM to let me enjoy my work but importantly being around my family everyday'.
What do you like most about your role?
'Getting to talk to people and feeling part of a team'.
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?
'Gregor Townsend - Scotland Rugby Head Coach (Men)'
What is your biggest achievement to date?
'Marrying a professional folk singer (Eilidh Grant) and celebrating 17 years married this year'.
Tell us a secret/guilty pleasure.
'Eating Nutella straight from the jar but blaming my kids!'
