Project Management as the Key to the Construction Industry
Interview with Dr. Stefan Reimoser, Business Development Executive, part of the management team at Turner & Townsend GmbH
Whether it's an airport, data center, or hospital - large projects in the construction and real estate sector are often considered complex. Turner & Townsend GmbH specializes in professionally managing and successfully implementing these projects worldwide. In a discussion with Managing Director Dr. Stefan Reimoser, the focus is on growth, the importance of digitalization and sustainability, international challenges, and his personal motivation to advance the quality of the construction industry in Germany.
Wirtschaftsforum: Dr. Reimoser, Turner & Townsend is today a leading global consultancy in the construction and real estate sector. How has your company developed in Germany?
Dr. Stefan Reimoser: Turner & Townsend is an English company, founded in 1946. We have been active in Germany since 2000 – initially as a joint venture with Siemens Real Estate. From originally 25 employees, we have grown to around 450 today, embedded in a global organization with over 20,000 colleagues. We provide project and cost management services in all areas of construction – from infrastructure to industry, data centers, and cultural projects.
Wirtschaftsforum: What economic dimension has this growth reached today?
Dr. Stefan Reimoser: Our annual turnover is now approaching 3 billion EUR. A significant contribution to this was the recent merger with CBRE's project management business, which brought nearly 10,000 employees to our team. This makes us the number one internationally in our segment – with a clear market leadership.
Wirtschaftsforum: Digitalization influences almost every construction project today. What role does it play for your company?
Dr. Stefan Reimoser: Modern project management is inconceivable without digital processes. We invest heavily in software solutions, data management, and cybersecurity. Only when projects are digitally controlled and transparently documented can costs and schedules be reliably maintained. At the same time, we see digitalization as an opportunity to increase the productivity of the industry as a whole. We are also exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence, for predictive planning or data analysis, and see great potential for the future.
Wirtschaftsforum: Sustainability and ESG are also gaining importance. How does Turner & Townsend position itself in this area?
Dr. Stefan Reimoser: Sustainability is not a side issue for us, but an integral part of our corporate strategy. We stand for diversity, inclusion, and responsible action – both in our projects and in our company culture. ESG criteria are a clear benchmark for the sustainability of our industry, and we consistently align ourselves with them.
Wirtschaftsforum: What challenges do you currently see for the industry – and how are you responding to them?
Dr. Stefan Reimoser: The construction industry suffers from low productivity, fragmented procurement rules, and overregulation that stifles innovation. Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled workers and growing complexity due to standards and liability issues. Geopolitical factors also play a role – for instance, we had to close our office in Moscow, which shows how strongly external influences can affect the market. We address all this by diversifying internationally, relying on strong partnerships, and building trust through professionalism. Only when teams collaborate beyond mere contractual boundaries, resilient results are created.
Wirtschaftsforum: You are committed to public relations and industry events beyond your projects. What impulses do you want to set – and what drives you personally?
Dr. Stefan Reimoser: In addition to our project work, we actively engage in communication, such as through articles, association work, or our own formats like the Global Cost Report with regular webinars. Such platforms are crucial to bring current issues into dialogue and advance the industry. Personally, I am motivated by the desire to shape things and make construction in Germany more professional, transparent, and efficient.