Wayland-based architecture and engineering consultant ZweigWhite has appointed Ed Friedrichs chairman.

Friedrichs is the former chief executive officer of one of the largest design firms in the world, Gensler, Architecture Design and Planning Worldwide. He joined Gensler when the firm had 20 employees and helped lead the transformation of Gensler to a firm with 2,400 professionals worldwide.

In 2003, Friedrichs formed Friedrichs Group, where he guides the development of high performance organizations, focusing on strategy, culture, organizational issues, sales and marketing

"I have worked with Ed Friedrichs on the boards of several A/E firms and have witnessed his amazing creativity and wisdom in action," said Mark Zweig, founder of Mark Zweig & Assoc. in 1988, which became ZweigWhite in 1991. "Ed was the CEO of the largest architectural firm in the world, Gensler. Getting him on board at ZweigWhite is a home run for our A/E firm clients and will help ensure that we stay intimately connected with the marketplace we have served for 22 years now."

"Ed’s philosophy of management is field tested and proven to work in good times and bad. His no-nonsense approach to building teams and executing on the strategic plan is must-have knowledge for any firm in the A/E space," said Greg Lindberg, chairman of Eli Global, the lead investor in ZweigWhite.

Along with the addition of Ed Friedrichs to the ZweigWhite team, Mark Zweig will expand his role with the company as partner and board member. For the past six years, Zweig has worked in principally a complementary role rather than in direct management.

"I am really excited to be back involved with ZweigWhite in a meaningful way. We will return to the principles that allowed us to be named twice to the Inc. 500 List of Fastest Growing privately-held businesses and reestablish our leadership in providing management information and advice to help make our A/E/P and environmental firm clients more successful," said Zweig.