Vishal Haripersad is a highly respected civil engineer, accomplished executive, and visionary leader, recognized as one of Africa’s top business strategists in the engineering and infrastructure sectors. With more than 25 years in industry, Vishal has shaped sustainable growth and industry transformation across Africa through his unwavering commitment to technical excellence, team empowerment, and community advancement.

Currently, he serves as the Regional Manager of Knight Piésold Africa and the Managing Director of Knight Piésold (Pty) Ltd, a global engineering and project management consultancy founded in Johannesburg in 1921. Under his stewardship, Knight Piésold’s footprint has grown across the continent, delivering innovative, large-scale infrastructure and mining projects in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and beyond. In his earlier career he led multidisciplinary teams in conducting technical and financial feasibility studies, developing solutions to bridge the gap between project funding and delivery, and unlocking impactful infrastructure across diverse markets.

Vishal’s commitment to advancing the engineering profession is further demonstrated in his capacity as Vice President and board member of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA)—the national body governing the interests and quality standards of the engineering consultancy industry. He also serves as Chairman and Director of CIVILAB (Pty) Ltd, a premier civil engineering materials testing laboratory, and has contributed to sector advancement toward CESA’s Education and Training, Marketing and
Communications Committee, and Quality and Risk portfolios.

With deep technical expertise spanning geometric design, pavement engineering and materials, transportation planning, traffic impact assessment, and water resource planning, Vishal has overseen the project management, design, and execution of complex projects for both public and private sector clients. His leadership approach—anchored in collaboration, operational excellence, and ethical governance—has earned Knight Piésold industry-wide recognition and fueled its expansion into emerging African markets.

Beyond technical and executive accomplishments, Vishal is passionate about social impact and the next generation of engineers. He has led numerous STEM outreach initiatives, supporting mathematics and science education in underprivileged communities across South Africa through the sponsorship of study materials, laboratory equipment, and ongoing mentorship.

Vishal’s academic background reflects his dedication to professional and personal growth:

• Doctorate in Global Leadership and Management, European International University – Paris (2022)
• Edx Verified Certificate for Exercising Leadership – Foundational Principles (2022)
• MBA, MANCOSA (2010–2012)
• Professional Engineer (PrEng), ECSA (2006)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, University of KwaZulu-Natal (2001–2003)
• BSc (Eng) Civil Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal (1995–1998)

Vishal’s innovative leadership has been widely celebrated with major awards: recognition as one of CIO Views’ Top 10 Visionary Business Leaders in Africa (2024), South Africa Business Leader of the Year (2025) at the World HRD Congress, and the Best Employer Branding Award (2025). A catalyst for positive change, Vishal Haripersad continues to shape the African engineering landscape, through Ubuntu-centred leadership principles, empowering teams, guiding organizations through complex challenges, and contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure.