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ACE appoints ICE's head of public affairs Hannah Vickers as new chief executive

Hannah Vickers has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE). She replaces Nelson Ogunshakin who is joining the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) in Geneva and will take up her new role at ACE on 11 September 2018.

A civil engineer by profession, Vickers joins ACE from the Institution of Civil Engineers where she led the policy and public affairs team. Prior to this she advised ministers at HM Treasury on infrastructure delivery policy, while also working as a consultant to senior stakeholders on a number of major projects including Crossrail 2, a geological disposal facility for higher-activity radioactive waste and the redevelopment of London’s Olympic Park. She has also trained and advised the governments of Argentina, Indonesia, Egypt, Brazil and China in infrastructure planning and delivery.

Vickers is the first woman to be chief executive of ACE and is also the youngest person to lead the organisation. Announcing her appointment, current ACE chair and managing director, UK at Ramboll, Mathew Riley said: “Despite a strong shortlist, the board had no hesitations in offering Hannah the role as chief executive and we are delighted that she will lead ACE on behalf of its members. 

“Her background as a civil engineer and as an advisor on some of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, as well as extensive government experience, means she is the ideal person to take ACE forward and to help it continue to champion infrastructure at the highest levels. I’m sure that all ACE members will join the board in wishing Hannah the very best over the coming weeks and months and we look forward to working together soon.”

Commenting on her appointment, Vickers said: “I am delighted to be taking over at ACE as we enter an exciting and evolutionary period for the consultancy and engineering industry with new opportunities across UK and international markets. I look forward to working with our talented staff and the full range of our members to build further success in the coming years.”

Responding to the announcement, Nelson Ogunshakin, current chief executive of ACE said: “I’m looking forward to working closely with Hannah over the coming weeks to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. ACE members, staff and stakeholders will be reassured that the board have selected someone who understands the day to-day of their businesses and who also has experience at the heart of government.

“I have had 14 wonderful years at ACE and I can leave safe in the knowledge that it will have a strong future under Hannah’s leadership and will continue to serve its members and champion infrastructure to government and wider stakeholders, both in the UK and internationally.

“Once the handover is complete, I will help ACE and its members in any way I can as a member of ACE’s Advisory Board and Hannah will be able to count on me for friendly advice.”

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