Richard Chinn has been appointed as the new chairman of the Highways Term Maintenance Association (HTMA).
Chinn, director of integrated highways services at Mott MacDonald, has been acting as vice-chairman and will now serve a two-year period as chairman.
He has been actively involved with the association since its inception in 2005, as working group chair, working group sponsor, a member of the committee and of the executive board.
Chinn (pictured) said: "I am delighted to be taking on this role and feel it is a real privilege to be chairman of HTMA. The association has grown to 29 members and nine associate members and our influence within the industry is spreading. Collectively we have a strong voice and can make a real impact. We have much to offer in terms of skills, knowledge and experience for the sustainability of highways maintenance and management.
"It is important that we continue to work with other organisations such as CECA, CBI, CIHT, ICE, ACE, in reinforcing the message to government of the importance of properly maintained road networks and the contribution they provide to the economy. We are respected by and enjoy good relationships with key client stakeholders and will be working to strengthen these links."
Chinn will be taking over from Tony Gates, director for new business at Balfour Beatty, who will remain as an ex-officio member of the executive board for 12 months. Gates has led HTMA over the past two years through a difficult time for the industry with austerity measures being imposed and many service providers going through mergers, acquisitions and consolidation.
Gates commented: "Despite this tough climate, HTMA membership has grown in the past two years and collaboration with clients has matured and strengthened. The strategy for HTMA has been refreshed and was re-launched in November 2013. It is now being implemented through the HTMA working groups. The association is actively represented in various industry groups (e.g. Highways Supply Chain Summit, HMEP) and through sharing our combined experience and knowledge we are well placed to influence government and key decision makers in the industry.”
Other changes within the executive board are: Bill Taylor (MD of Ringway Infrastructure Services), who is currently an executive board member, appointed to vice-chair and Peter McDermott (director for the highway and bridge sector at CH2M Hill) becomes an executive board member. Geoff Allister, HTMA executive director, remains on the executive board and along with fellow board members will oversee the day to day running of HTMA.
He said: "HTMA is in a strong position with its links into industry and wealth of expertise within our membership. There has been a very effective leadership team guiding HTMA over the past two years and those individuals will provide continuity as they remain involved within the association.
"We have challenges ahead with regards to the ongoing pressures of limited revenue funding, concerns over a skills gap in the industry emerging and upcoming changes in government and client organisations. But with these appointments I believe we can continue to offer sound knowledge and experience, ability and enthusiasm to deal with these challenges and guide HTMA as it increases its influence and continues to contribute positively to the industry."
