The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE Group) has announced two significant leadership appointments.
Professor Denise Bower OBE (pictured above), group director for external engagement at Mott MacDonald, has been appointed chair of ACE and Rukhsana Faiz, of Tetra Tech, has been appointed chair of the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC), which forms part of the environmental wing of ACE Group.
Prof Bower was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to engineering and construction. She is an experienced leader and highly qualified civil engineer who has served on the Mott MacDonald Executive Board, and held the posts of executive director at the Major Projects Association and Professor in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds.
Having previously worked with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (replaced by NISTA), and been long-standing member of the Infrastructure Client Group, 'she has a deep understanding of the policy, finance and funding environment surrounding infrastructure development,' ACE said.
She was also chair of the CBI Infrastructure Council and an ICE Member of Council.
Prof Bower said: 'As Chair of ACE, I will bring clarity, purpose and strategic leadership to ensure our sector is recognised as a vital partner in delivering national priorities. Engineering and design consultancies have deep expertise and influence, but too often we lack a clear, united voice in key government conversations.'
Rukhsana Faiz is a business leader, chartered engineer and sustainability expert with more than 28 years of international experience spanning consultancy, industry, government, SMEs and academia.
She is the managing director of environment, sustainability and planning at Tetra Tech Ltd. and leads the energy and utility sector.
She has advised organisations across the energy, industrial, oil and gas, municipal, utilities and process sectors and is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
'I am honoured to accept the role of Chair of EIC at such a pivotal time for the environmental and sustainability sector. The transition to a low-carbon, resilient and resource-efficient economy presents both significant challenges and opportunities for industry, government and society.' she said.
'EIC has a vital role to play in championing environmental innovation, promoting progressive policy and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of sustainable growth and clean technology leadership. I am committed to working collaboratively with members, government and stakeholders to strengthen the voice of the sector, accelerate practical solutions and help create the conditions needed to deliver long-term environmental and economic value,' she added.
