Welcome to the October edition of Blakely Brown Insights!

This month, we take a closer look at how innovation, leadership, and technology are redefining what’s possible, from CRB’s forward-looking strategy to the record-breaking feats of global infrastructure. We also share news from within Blakely Brown, as our team continues to grow across the U.S.

Read on for the latest updates and industry insights!

Warm regards,

The Blakely Brown Team

Partner Spotlight: CRB’s Vision for Growth and Innovation

Last week, Ross and Jacob met with the CRB team in Raleigh to discuss their evolving business strategy and the next phase of growth for the organization. The session provided a valuable look into CRB’s ambitious expansion plans and their continued focus on integrating technology to enhance delivery and performance.

CRB’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation resonated strongly with us at Blakely Brown. Their approach reflects a shared belief that smart, tech-enabled solutions are key to driving long-term impact across complex engineering and construction environments.

The team also shared insights into operational readiness and CQV excellence, highlighting how these capabilities are setting new standards for client value.

We’re proud to collaborate with CRB as they continue to build on this momentum, supporting their teams, strengthening capabilities, and helping bring their vision to life.

Interested in meeting with our team? Reach out to antonia@blakelybrowngroup.com

China Opens the World’s Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge

China has unveiled the Chantai Yangtze River Bridge, the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge, spanning 1,208 meters across the Yangtze River in Jiangsu province. The 10.3-km structure connects the cities of Changzhou and Taizhou, cutting travel time from one hour to just 20 minutes.

Built by China Railway Group Ltd., the bridge breaks three world records:

• Longest cable-stayed bridge span

• Longest dual-purpose (rail + road) steel truss arch bridge

• Longest continuous steel truss bridge

Six of the world’s ten longest cable-stayed bridges now cross the Yangtze, all built within the past 20 years, underlining China’s ongoing infrastructure boom.

Engineers faced major challenges; an asymmetrical design carrying rail, subway, and road traffic on one deck, and solved them with precision-calibrated prefabrication and real-time monitoring systems. The project used AI-guided cranes, underwater robots, and 80 structural sensors to ensure millimeter accuracy and long-term safety under extreme conditions.

Takeaways for Engineers:

1. Automation & robotics are transforming megaproject construction. China’s use of AI-enabled cranes, underwater robots, and smart sensors shows how automation is moving from experiment to standard practice.

2. Prefabrication and precision engineering enable unprecedented scale. The modular approach and micro-adjustments during manufacturing reflect how digital modeling and factory-level control are critical to handling complex asymmetrical loads.

3. Structural health monitoring (SHM) is becoming essential infrastructure. Real-time sensor data and predictive maintenance will likely become standard in major U.S. bridge projects to enhance longevity and safety.

4. Design flexibility pays off. The decision to abandon symmetry for practical traffic management shows the value of prioritizing functionality and emergency access over conventional design rules.

Insights for Recruiters:

• Skills shift: Demand is growing for engineers fluent in AI-driven construction, robotics integration, and digital twin modeling.

• Global competitiveness: China’s rapid innovation pace underscores the need for U.S. firms to attract top talent in automation, materials science, and smart infrastructure.

• Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Future will require teams that blend civil, mechanical, software, and data engineering expertise.

Team Expansion

As Blakely Brown strengthens its presence across the United States, with Miami at the heart of our growing operations, we’re inviting exceptional professionals in executive search to join our expanding U.S. team.

We’re interested in speaking with individuals at all levels of experience, from established search partners with a strong client following to rising consultants eager to refine their craft within a boutique, high-performance environment. Whether you’re already based in Miami or considering relocation, we’d be delighted to explore how your expertise could complement our team.

Blakely Brown is defined by its discretion, precision, and partnership-led approach. We work closely with clients across industries to shape leadership teams that drive meaningful impact. As we grow, we’re also open to conversations around remote opportunities and the establishment of new offices around exceptional talent.

If you’re looking to align your career with a firm that combines the personal touch of a boutique with the ambition of a global player, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume or reach out in confidence to antonia@blakelybrowngroup.com to arrange an initial conversation.