Allan J. Montpellier has been promoted to managing director of New York-based engineering firm WSP Flack + Kurtz’s Boston office.

The promotion will be effective Jan. 1, according to a statement. Montpellier will be replacing Bob Gracilieri, who will remain an executive vice president in the firm and focus more on client service and engineering.

"Allan is greatly valued and respected not only by WSP Flack + Kurtz employees, but also by our clients," said David Cooper, president and chief executive officer of WSP Flack + Kurtz. "He’s a strong leader, an effective project executive, a very knowledgeable engineer and an all-around great person. In short, he’s an ideal choice to lead our Boston office."

Montpellier currently serves as a senior vice president and project executive in the Boston office and has been with WSP Flack + Kurtz for more than 16 years.