Kancheepuram N. Gunalan (Guna) joins HNTB as senior project director and vice president

Guna_GunalanCivil engineering expert brings more than 38 years of experience

LOS ANGELES – (Feb. 4, 2025) – Kancheepuram N. Gunalan, PhD, PE, (Guna), has joined HNTB Corporation as senior project director and vice president. Based in the Los Angeles office, he will lead efforts to expand the firm’s highway, transit, and program and construction management (PM/CM) market areas, with a focus on delivering exceptional value to clients.

“Guna’s leadership and depth of experience are tremendous assets for HNTB, our clients and the communities we serve,” said C. Yoga Chandran, PhD, P.E., G.E., HNTB Los Angeles office leader and senior vice president. “His proven ability to deliver complex programs, will strengthen our partnerships and enhance our capabilities in PM/CM, design-build and other innovative delivery methods.”

Gunalan has more than 38 years in the civil and construction industry, serving in multiple capacities in small, medium and large multi-national consulting firms. His deep expertise in the design-build delivery model, coupled with his specialized knowledge in tunnels and geotechnical engineering, brings tremendous value to clients and ensures delivery of innovative, cost-effective solutions that meet the complex challenges of modern infrastructure projects. Prior to joining HNTB, Gunalan led and managed projects in New York State as a senior vice president for another infrastructure firm. He successfully delivered multi-billion-dollar programs and projects across the country.

In addition to his project delivery expertise, he has been influential in professional organizations, serving as President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 2020 and currently chairing the UN Relations Committee for the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO). He has been inducted into the National Academy of Construction and his upcoming role as the Conference Co-Chair for the 2026 ASCE Geo-Congress continues to solidify his position as a leader in the industry.

Gunalan received a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas Tech University, and Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in civil engineering (soil mechanics and foundation engineering) from the College of Engineering, Guindy in Chennai, India.