Nicholas Cumins has taken charge of global infrastructure digital twin software provider Bentley Systems
Cumins succeeds Greg Bentley, the eldest of five brothers who founded Bentley Systems, who has become executive chair of the board of directors.
Cumins is the first CEO in the 40-year history of the firm who is not a member of the Bentley family.
Over four decades and 120 acquisitions, Bentley Systems has established itself as a leading provider of AEC software, with its infrastructure digital twin solutions used to design, build and operate critical assets around the world.
Before his promotion to CEO, Cumins served as Bentley Systems’ COO from January 2022. He joined Bentley Systems as chief product officer in September 2020 prior to the company’s IPO.
Infrastructure ‘facing watershed moment’
Bentley said the transition to Cumins’ leadership comes at a critical time for infrastructure sectors. There is a shortage of engineers to accomplish the work required to achieve global sustainability targets while also adapting aging infrastructure to the effects of climate change.
Cumins unveiled Bentley’s vision for infrastructure resilience, noting that engineering firms and asset owner-operators are looking to software to help them overcome the limitations of scarce talent.
“Infrastructure is at a watershed moment. Despite the massive capital investment in infrastructure projects and jobs post-pandemic, so much more remains to be done to make infrastructure more resilient,” he said.
“Our ability to bridge that gap will literally determine the quality of life for generations to come. Fortunately, a paradigm shift in software is reshaping the landscape. AI-powered digital twin solutions are unlocking the value of data across the infrastructure lifecycle.”
Bentley is already using AI solutions to support the monitoring of roads, bridges, dams, water networks and telecommunications towers.
“Every owner-operator in the world is looking for a simpler and more effective way to understand the condition of their assets,” Cumins said.
“Think what the power and possibilities of AI imply for improving asset performance and making infrastructure more resilient. This is the moment for our generation to apply its ingenuity and build upon the legacy of innovation to continue advancing the world’s infrastructure for better quality of life.”
